Episode 25 One Apple, Fifteen Rules: How Agrifood Standards Shape Markets

Nearly 90% of global trade is affected by non-tariff measures. Exporters face an average of more than 15 distinct compliance requirements per shipment. What looks like a simple apple on a grocery shelf is governed by a dense web of agrifood standards—covering safety limits, labeling, audits, and certification. As tariffs decline, these standards increasingly determine who can access global markets. This episode explores how regulatory distance shapes trade flows, why small producers face disproportionate compliance costs, and how the “Adapt, Align, Author” framework can help countries turn standards from barriers into springboards for growth. From quality infrastructure gaps to the economic payoff of certification, we unpack what it takes to compete in today’s rule-based food economy. Generated with AI using wondercraft.ai and guided by our experts. Read more at https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2025