Japan and Australia emphasized the importance of compliance with rules when implementing safeguard actions during a recent World Trade Organization (WTO) committee meeting. These emergency measures were discussed alongside legislative notifications from Cabo Verde and the Solomon Islands, both of which reported having no current regulations on safeguard measures. The review also included Liberia and Ghana.
The committee examined various safeguard actions notified by several members: the European Union, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, the Philippines, South Africa, Türkiye, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Concerns were raised regarding specific safeguards by Japan about Viet Nam's measures on steel products and Indonesia's measures on apparel.
Indonesia requested a review concerning Türkiye's proposal to suspend concessions against Indonesian exports in response to its safeguard measure on textiles. The Chair outlined plans for moving forward with this matter.
An informal discussion group involving 13 members was announced to discuss broader perspectives on safeguard proceedings beyond formal meetings. Additionally, an online portal for submitting safeguard notifications is being developed by the WTO Secretariat.
The next Committee on Safeguards meeting is scheduled for April 2025. Under WTO rules, safeguard actions can be applied temporarily if increased imports threaten domestic industries.