World Trade Organization
Recent News About World Trade Organization
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WTO launches e-learning series on digital trade for developing economies
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a new e-Learning series titled "Trade in the Digital Era," aimed at providing developing economies with the knowledge needed to navigate digital trade. This initiative is part of the WTO's Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation's capacity-building programs, available through their e-Learning platform.
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WTO launches Global Services Trade Data Hub with extensive datasets
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has launched a new Global Services Trade Data Hub, providing access to four distinct datasets. These datasets include information on digitally delivered services, trade in services by mode of supply, trade in commercial services, and the WTO-OECD Balanced Trade in Services dataset.
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UK contributes GBP 673k for sustainable development in least developed countries
The United Kingdom has made a financial contribution of GBP 673,000 to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Interim Facility. This amount is part of the first installment of CHF 1 million pledged by the UK at the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi. The EIF Interim Facility is designed to bridge the gap between the end of Phase Two of the EIF and the establishment of a new multilateral support mechanism for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Discussions on this future mechanism are ongoing at a World Trade Organization (WTO) taskforce.
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WTO forecasts global trade rebound but warns of potential risks
In its recent "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" report, the World Trade Organization (WTO) predicts a recovery in global trade for 2024. The report suggests that easing inflationary pressures will help boost real incomes, particularly in advanced economies, thereby increasing the consumption of manufactured goods. This positive trend is already visible with improved indices of new export orders at the start of the year.
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WTO reviews six regional trade agreements focusing on economic cooperation
The World Trade Organization (WTO) members recently reviewed six regional trade agreements during a committee meeting. The discussions covered various agreements involving ASEAN, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Pacific Island countries.
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Türkiye initiates safeguard probe on ethyl acetate imports
Türkiye has informed the World Trade Organization's Committee on Safeguards of its initiation of a safeguard investigation into ethyl acetate, starting from April 6, 2024. The notification to the WTO was made on April 8, 2024.
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WTO opens registration for public forum focusing on re-globalization
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened online registration for its 2024 Public Forum, which will focus on the theme of re-globalization and its potential to make trade more inclusive. The event will also delve into the roles of digitalization, services, and sustainability in achieving this inclusivity.
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Australia and China resolve wine duties dispute through WTO
Australia and China have reached a mutually agreed solution in their dispute over wine duties. On March 29, both countries submitted a notification to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body regarding dispute DS602, titled "China — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Wine from Australia." This notification was shared with WTO members on April 3.
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China challenges US tax credits for electric vehicles at WTO
China has initiated a dispute with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning specific tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act. These credits are designed to encourage the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy projects. The request for consultations was shared with WTO members on March 28, 2024.
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WTO discusses digital trade impact amid pandemic challenges
World Trade Organization (WTO) members convened to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital and remittance services during events held on March 25 and 27. These discussions were organized under the Committee on Trade in Financial Services and the Council for Trade in Services.
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WTO opens applications for regional workshop on trade and public health
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is organizing a Regional Workshop on Trade and Public Health in Rabat from May 28 to 30, 2024. The workshop is aimed at government officials from WTO members and observers in French-speaking Africa. Applications for participation are open until April 3, 2024.
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Committee agrees on market access sessions; addresses trade concerns
Members of the Committee on Market Access (CMA) have agreed on a timetable for thematic sessions in 2024, focusing on supply chain resilience and promoting a greener Harmonized System (HS). This system is used to classify traded goods in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). The meeting, held on March 25-26, also addressed numerous trade concerns and elected Mr. Kenya Uehara of Japan as interim Chair.
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WTO releases report on Australian duties on Chinese products
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report on March 26, 2024, concerning the dispute initiated by China against Australia. The case, titled "Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China" (DS603), addresses Australia's imposition of duties on specific Chinese goods.
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Students engage in Model WTO simulation focusing on trade subsidies
On March 26, over 60 students from various parts of the world participated in the final session of "Model WTO," a week-long simulation of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations. This event is organized annually by students from St. Gallen University with support from the WTO.
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WTO hosts discussion on women's role in global trade
An event titled "A joint conversation on women’s economic empowerment," hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) on March 26, showcased recent initiatives aimed at addressing gender inequality in trade and fostering women's empowerment.
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WTO explores support strategies for least-developed countries transitioning out of status
WTO members convened on March 25, 2024, to discuss strategies for aiding least-developed countries (LDCs) in their transition from the LDC category. The meeting was part of the Sub-Committee on Least Developed Countries, where Ambassador Ib Petersen of Denmark noted, “It is very encouraging to see that WTO members have shown commitment to support a smooth transition for graduating LDCs.”
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WTO members advance sixth review of sanitary measures agreement
WTO members have made progress in the Sixth Review of the Operation and Implementation of the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). The discussions took place during a meeting of the SPS Committee from March 20 to 22, 2024. Members also addressed numerous trade concerns at this gathering.
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The World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference ends with declaration for forward-looking reform agenda
The World Trade Organization (WTO) conference, which took place in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to March 2, convened ministers from around the globe to deliberate on the organization's future work. The conference was chaired by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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World Trade Organization members endorse Timor-Leste's WTO accession package
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to approve the accession package for Timor-Leste’s membership, marking a significant step for one of the WTO's least developed countries. A formal decision on this matter is anticipated in the coming month.
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WTO releases 'Global Trade Outlook and Statistics' October 2023 update
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released its 'Global Trade Outlook and Statistics' update for October 2023, revealing a downward revision in trade growth forecasts due to a global manufacturing slowdown that began in Q4 2022. While the outlook for 2023 has been scaled back, economists maintain a more optimistic view for trade in 2024, according to the report released by the WTO.