The business world is changing, and fast. The acronym ESG, The "sustainability" criterion, which a few years ago seemed restricted to corporate reports and sustainability speeches, has become a criterion for the competitiveness of all types of business.
Companies operating in foreign trade are at the heart of this transformation. They connect economies, manage supply chains and have a direct impact on communities and the environment. This is why governments, international partners and investors are increasingly demanding that the operations of these businesses be aligned with good environmental, social and governance practices.
Do you want to understand more about this scenario and how your company can turn sustainability into a competitive advantage? Then read on and find out why the ESG agenda also matters for foreign trade companies!
What is the ESG agenda and why has it become so important in international trade?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance - in Portuguese, Environmental, Social and Governance.
- Environmental (E - Environmental)This involves the responsible management of natural resources, the reduction of carbon emissions, the use of clean energy and the correct disposal of waste.
- Social (S - Social)The company's relationship with employees, communities and society in general, including working conditions, diversity, education and social impact.
- Governance: concerns ethics, transparency and compliance in corporate management.
In recent years, the ESG agenda has evolved from a competitive differentiator to a market requirement. And in international trade, the change has been even clearer.
European Union countries, for example, have already implemented regulations requiring environmental traceability of imported products. Companies that don't prove sustainable practices face trade barriers, lose access to markets and suffer financial restrictions.
According to research by Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), more than 70% of large global corporations already consider ESG criteria in their purchasing decisions and business partnerships. In other words, it's no longer a question of choice, but of survival in the global market.
How the ESG agenda impacts foreign trade companies
Foreign trade companies play a strategic role in the world economy. They connect manufacturers, carriers, ports and customers on different continents. This position brings great opportunities, but also enormous responsibility.
It is therefore only natural that the adoption of ESG practices directly impacts all stages of international operations, from the selection of suppliers to the final delivery of products. Here are some examples.
- Selection of partners and suppliersThe main reason for this: today, it is common for large importers to demand proof of good environmental and labor practices from their suppliers.
- Transparency in the logistics chaincompanies need to monitor and document the entire flow of goods, ensuring compliance with international standards and certifications.
- Governance and compliance: fiscal integrity and the prevention of illegal practices, such as corruption or social dumping, are decisive criteria for international contracts.
- Risk and reputation managementEnvironmental crises, non-compliance with the law or poor working conditions can jeopardize the entire operation, including customs blockades.
In practice, what was once just a question of image has become part of the operational and strategic structure of foreign trade companies.
The benefits of adopting ESG practices in international trade
Easier access to new markets and international partnerships
Companies with ESG certifications tend to win preference in international tenders and trade agreements. After all, global partners prioritize suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, reducing legal and reputational risks.
Reduction of operational and reputational risks
Companies with clear social and environmental responsibility policies are less exposed to image crises, sanctions and trade restrictions.
Improved risk assessment by certifiers
Organizations like Dun & Bradstreet evaluate companies' ESG performance when calculating credit ratings. Higher scores facilitate access to financing, reduce interest rates and increase investor confidence.
Strengthening the employer brand
Qualified professionals look for companies with a solid purpose and values. That's why adopting the ESG agenda improves talent attraction and retention, as well as increasing internal engagement.
Competitive differentiation in the global market
In a scenario where products and services are increasingly similar, ESG commitment becomes a decisive differentiator. Companies that communicate their sustainable practices win over customers and strategic partners.
ESG as a pillar of reputation, security and future: the example of Afianci
Afianci understands that operating in international trade requires more than operational efficiency, it demands responsibility for the future. That's why the company has structured its ESG strategy on three main fronts: social, environmental and governance. Find out more about our initiatives!
Social commitment
Afianci maintains permanent social impact actions, such as the Mission Solidarity Project, which supports communities in vulnerable situations. The company also participates in social initiatives with financial support and volunteer work, reinforcing its commitment to local development.
Internally, Afianci offers educational subsidies to its employees, promoting continuous training and professional updating. This investment in people strengthens the team and improves the quality of customer service.
Environmental responsibility
The company invests in integrated software that centralizes information from different areas in a single channel. This solution drastically reduces the use of printouts, optimizes internal communication and increases operational efficiency, all with less environmental impact.
Transparent governance
Afianci's code of ethics establishes clear guidelines for the management of material resources and professional conduct. The work environment is guided by a culture that values the optimization of resources, transparency in relationships and a commitment to ethical business practices.
In this regard, Afianci recently won the ESG Registered, granted by Dun & Bradstreet, in recognition of the company's commitment to sustainable, social and governance practices. The certification was the result of an evaluation process that proved actions such as the Full Plate Project, education incentive programs and other initiatives that reinforce the coherence between discourse and practice, consolidating governance as an essential pillar of Afianci's work.
Sustainability and trust: the new criteria for global trade
The ESG agenda has moved beyond the status of a trend and has become the new standard for competitiveness in foreign trade. As we have seen in this reading, companies that adopt sustainable practices guarantee access to strategic markets, reduce operational risks and strengthen their reputation on the international stage.
That's why Afianci has chosen to build an operation that combines commercial efficiency with environmental, social and governance responsibility. Because in the global trade of the future, sustainability and trust are not optional, they are essential.
