The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat recently concluded its Trade and Environment Week 2025, highlighting active engagement among members and stakeholders on the evolving relationship between trade and environmental sustainability. The event featured 15 sessions organized by WTO members, attracting significant participation both in person and online.
Key discussions focused on agriculture and sustainability, climate resilience, carbon measures, deforestation, the circular economy, and decarbonizing supply chains. Additionally, three WTO environmental initiatives on fossil fuel subsidies, plastic pollution, and sustainable development solutions emphasized inclusive approaches and perspectives from developing countries.
Members praised the event for its comprehensive discussions and as a platform for sharing experiences, generating ideas, and fostering collaboration to better leverage trade policy in support of environmental sustainability.
During a meeting on July 4th of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), two submissions were reviewed. Japan and the Republic of Korea jointly submitted "Non-Binding Guidance on Methodologies for Measuring Embedded Emissions," co-sponsored by Australia and the United Kingdom. This proposal aims to enhance transparency around requirements for measuring embedded emissions in cross-border goods trade without affecting existing WTO rights or obligations.
Many delegations provided comments on this submission, welcoming it as it addresses concerns over high compliance costs faced by small businesses in developing economies. Some members emphasized that increased transparency should not duplicate required notifications or place additional burdens on developing members.
The second submission by Russia titled "Future Rules of Trade in Plastic Products and the WTO: Potential Conflict" raised concerns about potential trade barriers emerging from ongoing UN plastics treaty negotiations. Members expressed differing views but underscored the need for consistency with WTO rules.
Ambassador Erwin Bollinger of Switzerland reported outcomes from recent consultations regarding thematic sessions launched in November 2023 at members' request. These sessions focus on trade-related climate measures (TRCMs), technology transfer, and sustainable agriculture. Members appreciated these exchanges' value in deepening understanding through case studies.
At the CTE meeting, updates were provided regarding various dialogues such as Plastics Pollution Dialogue (DPP) along with structured discussions under TESSD framework including Fossil Fuels Subsidy Reform (FFSR). Furthermore developments related to Action On Climate And Trade initiative which supports developing economies leveraging policies towards climate change mitigation objectives was discussed too
An update was given by UNFCCC secretariat concerning preparations underway ahead COP30 conference scheduled later this year Brazil where key objective includes exploring intersection between climate-trade policies
Next committee gathering is slated take place during first week November 2025