A study by the FAO involving 156 countries finds that hidden costs within global food systems amount to approximately $12 trillion annually. Of this figure, around 70 percent ($8.1 trillion) arise from unhealthy dietary patterns and are linked to non-communicable diseases. 

This article explores the role of trade as a potential driver of inequitable aquatic food distribution through its analysis of global aquatic food consumption patterns, trade characteristics, and impacts from 1976 to 2019. The authors find an increase in per capita consumption of aquatic foods over this time period at the global scale, a reduction in the average consumption rate of foods higher in the aquatic food chain, and improved distribution of high value aquatic foods through structural trade patterns. The authors hope to contribute to future research on the globalisation of aquatic food systems, aquaculture and the impacts of trade on food security.

This report was released by the FAO during COP28 in December of 2023 and details a global road map to agri-food systems transformation through climate action whilst achieving food security and nutrition.