Abstract
Background and Research Gap. The traditional system of global agricultural trade has long operated within a linear "take-make-dispose" paradigm, optimizing solely logistical speed and volume. While contemporary literature extensively covers localized circular economy models, a significant research gap per- sists regarding how the institutional landscape of the global waste and byproduct trade is being reshaped by transnational agri-traders acting as centralized hubs for circular value chains. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate and analytically evaluate the transformative role of global agri-traders (specifically the "ABCD" group) in the formation of international circular value chains, and to identify the systemic deter- minants and structural contradictions of corporate-led secondary biomass management. Results. The findings indicate that leading agri-traders, controlling 70% to 90% of the global grain trade, are retrofitting processing facilities into multi-component bio-refineries to achieve 100% biomass utilization (producing SAF, bioplastics, and protein concentrates). It is demonstrated that supply chain digitization and precision animal nutrition reduce nitrogen and phosphorus environmental excretion by up to 15%. Conclusions, Scientific Novelty, and Practical Value. A fundamental paradox is identified between the inherently localized nature of circular econ- omy loops and the hyper-centralized logistical infrastructure of global traders, which generates an offsetting carbon footprint. The practical value of the study is defined by its utility in optimizing green agricultural export strategies for transition economies, particularly Ukraine, within the framework of EU environmental integra- tion. Agri-traders are uniquely positioned at the intersection of production and consumption. As such, they possess the infrastructure and capital needed to orchestrate the formation of global circular value chains. This article explores how these traders are reimagining “waste” as a strategic raw material, thereby transforming the global system of trade in waste and by-products.