Trade News
Goods Council takes stock of progress to improve its functioning, advance WTO reform
The outgoing Council Chairperson, Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid of Nigeria, highlighted the value of the informal sessions on digital tools, emphasizing their role in providing members with a better understanding of how these tools can assist delegations. He noted that these sessions help prepare members for committee meetings and follow up on them.At the formal meeting, the Secretariat presented a report summarizing various actions taken to improve the Council's functioning, including adjustments to the eAgenda, the launch of the Trade Concerns Database, and...
By Globe Banner | May 1, 2024
Aid for Trade Global Review to discuss trade mainstreaming, food security, connectivity
The upcoming Aid for Trade Global Review, scheduled for April 30, 2024, will be a significant event focusing on trade mainstreaming, food security, and connectivity. The event will feature four high-level plenaries and close to 55 sessions over two and a half days, bringing together ministers, heads of international agencies, and trade and development experts.According to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the event aims to examine the support provided to developing economies to enhance their trade capacity, with a particular focus on the financing needs and how the...
By Globe Banner | Apr 30, 2024
Latest News
Members review reforms to facilitate participation in rules of origin work
By Globe Banner | Apr 29, 2024
The interim Chair of the committee, Mr Guna Seelan Balakrishnan from Malaysia, highlighted the implementation of measures to improve the functioning of the committee and facilitate the work of delegates. He mentioned, "A total of seven measures were agreed and have already been implemented, such as using an e-Agenda and an annotated agenda to facilitate the work." The Secretariat provided updates on the status of these measures and demonstrated some of the tools to members.Regarding the Draft Transparency Decision on Non-Preferential Rules of Origin, the interim Chair...
Members Discuss Future Pandemics Preparedness and TRIPS Implementation Review
By Globe Banner | Apr 26, 2024
Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) engaged in discussions regarding future pandemic preparedness and the implementation review of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) at a recent meeting held on April 26, 2024.During the meeting, members agreed to rename the agenda item concerning intellectual property (IP) and COVID-19 to "IP, COVID-19, and Pandemic Preparedness" to better reflect the focus on pandemic preparedness moving forward.Delegations also addressed a communication from Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, and India regarding "TRIPS...
Proposed Agenda Items for the Dispute Settlement Body Meeting on April 26, 2024
By Globe Banner | Apr 26, 2024
Items proposed for consideration at the next meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body on April 26, 2024 include a range of topics. According to the agenda, the meeting will focus on addressing various issues related to international disputes and trade.The proposed agenda items were highlighted in a recent announcement, with one of the key points being, "." This suggests that a significant discussion will be centered around this particular subject during the upcoming meeting.Furthermore, the meeting is scheduled to delve into specific matters with the intention of...
Members welcome appointment of facilitator for WTO dispute settlement reform talks
By Globe Banner | Apr 26, 2024
New facilitator of dispute settlement reform processThe Chair of the DSB, Ambassador Petter Ølberg of Norway, noted that on 18 April he communicated to members that Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius had accepted the role of facilitator for the dispute settlement reform talks following the departure of Mr Marco Molina, the convenor of the informal dispute settlement reform process.The Chair said the new facilitator will report at each regular meeting of the General Council, and to the DSB, as appropriate. She will present a work plan and a timetable for the...
Under Secretary Marisa Lago speaks at 2024 U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
In her keynote address at the 2024 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Marisa Lago highlighted the work of The International Trade Association (ITA) in finding international partners for business owners, including those who are Hispanic-owned. Lago, representing the U.S. International Trade Administration, also discussed the ITA's efforts to liaise with foreign governments and U.S. companies operating overseas to eliminate trade barriers and advocate for transparent business practices.
WTO Workshop Reviews Technology Transfer Incentives under TRIPS Agreement
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
A workshop held by the World Trade Organization (WTO) recently allowed participants to assess the incentives for technology transfer under the TRIPS Agreement, focusing on the challenges and experiences of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in utilizing technological advancements for economic development.During the workshop, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill highlighted the significant efforts made by developed members in submitting 318 reports since 2003, detailing actions related to technology transfer in accordance with Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement....
High-level dialogue marks 30 years of TRIPS Agreement
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
The 30th anniversary of the TRIPS Agreement was commemorated with a high-level dialogue that brought together key stakeholders to reflect on the past, present, and future of international intellectual property (IP) rights. The event featured insightful remarks from prominent figures in the field.Director-General Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the enduring relevance of the TRIPS Agreement in promoting social and economic welfare through a balanced approach to intellectual property rights. She highlighted the pivotal role of the Agreement during the HIV/AIDS crisis, where access...
E-commerce negotiators finalize “technical discussions” and outline next steps
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
E-commerce negotiators have completed their "technical discussions" and are now outlining the next steps towards concluding the negotiations. Ambassador James Baxter of Australia expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating, "I think it's safe to say that as a group, we achieved our objective for the week of resolving all the technical issues required to move this negotiation to the final decision-making phase."Ambassador Hung Seng Tan of Singapore emphasized the significance of the negotiations, highlighting, "Members have participated actively, contributed...
Energy Transition Takes Center Stage at WTO Environment Committee Meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 25, 2024
At a recent thematic session of the Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE), discussions centered around the topic of energy transition and its impact on climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. According to the report given by the United States and Kenya, who co-facilitated the session, participants gained valuable insights from experts during panels that explored various aspects of clean energy and trade-related climate measures."The first panel explored the trade landscape of rapidly evolving areas of clean energy, including hydrogen and wind energy," noted the...
Members Review Anti-Dumping Actions and Regulations at First Biannual Meeting of 2024
By Globe Banner | Apr 24, 2024
Members of the Committee gathered for their first biannual meeting of 2024 to review anti-dumping actions and regulations. The Chair of the Committee, Mrs Ayşegül Şahinoğlu Yerdeş (Türkiye), presided over the discussions.During the meeting, the Committee reviewed notifications of legislation from various countries. The Chair urged members to promptly submit reports of actions and welcomed the extensive use of the anti-dumping portal for submissions.Questions were raised by several delegations regarding actions contained in the semi-annual reports submitted by multiple...
South Africa Challenges EU Citrus Fruit Measures in WTO Dispute
By Globe Banner | Apr 24, 2024
South Africa has initiated a second dispute complaint against the European Union concerning its measures on citrus fruit imports. The issue at hand involves the EU's ban on importing South African citrus fruit affected by the fungus known as "citrus black spot."According to South Africa, the EU's import prohibition on citrus fruit impacted by citrus black spot may be in violation of the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. This marks the second time South Africa has raised concerns about the EU's import regulations on citrus fruit.The first dispute,...
Trade Growth and Poverty Reduction Over 30 Years
By Globe Banner | Apr 24, 2024
---Global trade has experienced significant growth over the past three decades, resulting in positive impacts on poverty reduction and economic development. According to experts Barbara D’Andrea, Christophe Degain, Florian Eberth, Stela Rubínová, Monia Snoussi-Mimouni, and Ankai Xu, the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization in 1994 marked the beginning of a transformative period in global trade.The World Trade Organization, established as the successor to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, has played a crucial role in...
Transparency concerns highlighted at SCM Committee meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
Transparency concerns were at the center of discussions during a recent meeting of the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Committee. The Chair emphasized the importance of timely notifications from members, stating, "all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications." Eight other members echoed these concerns and calls.The Chair also praised the WTO Secretariat's support and a successful technical assistance project aimed at improving the notification process. He noted that the project led to 11 out of 23 developing and least...
WTO members review safeguard actions during latest biannual committee meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
WTO members gathered for their latest biannual committee meeting to review safeguard actions, with a particular focus on legislative notifications and specific safeguard actions taken by various countries. Japan and Australia raised concerns over the recent increase in safeguard initiations and impositions, labeling them as inappropriate use of the instrument.During the meeting, notifications of new or amended national safeguard legislation or regulations from several countries were reviewed. Additionally, specific safeguard actions taken by countries such as Indonesia,...
Trade Policy Review: Morocco
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) conducted a Trade Policy Review of Morocco, with the discussions focusing on various reports and documents. The Secretariat report, prepared independently by the WTO Secretariat, provided a detailed analysis of Morocco's trade policies. In addition, the Government report, which presented a policy statement from the Moroccan government, was also a key document in the review process.According to the WTO's procedures, the Secretariat and Government reports were thoroughly examined and deliberated upon by the WTO's full membership in the...
WTO announces Canada increases STDF aid with CAD 250,000
By Globe Banner | Mar 27, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Canada is contributing CAD 250,000 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution is aimed at assisting developing economies and least-developed countries in meeting global food safety and trade standards. With this recent contribution, Canada's total support to the STDF has reached nearly CHF 7.5 million since 2005.
WTO announces Russia's acceptance of Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
By Globe Banner | Mar 18, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has declared that the Russian Federation has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The instrument of acceptance from Russia was presented by Ambassador Nikolai Platonov to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, increasing the total number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 72.
Japan allocates funds to WTO's Global Trust for developing economies
By Globe Banner | Mar 13, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that Japan is contributing EUR 115,000 to the WTO's Global Trust Fund. This fund supports training programs for government officials from developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). Over the past two decades, Japan's contributions to WTO trust funds have totalled nearly EUR 13.5 million.