Latest News
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 releases report on Chinese duties affecting Australian wine
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report concerning the duties imposed by China on Australian wine. On March 29, both parties informed the WTO that they had arrived at a mutually agreed solution to address the issues raised in this dispute.
Working Party reviews state trading enterprise notifications amid calls for transparency
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The Working Party recently reviewed new notifications on state trading enterprises from eleven members, including Albania, Australia, Iceland, Macao (China), Montenegro, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Seychelles, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay. Additionally, delegations raised further questions regarding previous notifications from China, India, Mauritius, and the Philippines.
Training highlights link between trade policies and gender equality
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
The recent training course aimed at enhancing skills and sharing experiences among officials focused on the interplay between trade and gender equality. Participants gained insights into how trade impacts men and women differently, as well as how gender-responsive trade policies can promote women's economic growth and poverty reduction.
WTO-FIFA initiative aims to boost African cotton industries
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) have taken significant steps to advance the "Partenariat pour le Coton," an initiative unveiled on February 25 by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This initiative is designed to enhance the partnership between the two organizations and support African countries in participating more fully in cotton value chains. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the WTO and FIFA in 2022.
WTO explores digital solutions for enhancing global trade efficiency
By Globe Banner | Apr 17, 2024
WTO members recently convened to discuss how digitalization can be leveraged to facilitate trade. The meeting focused on three main areas: using data and technology to simplify trade, promoting the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through digital advancements, and the digitalization of border procedures. Ten delegations, including China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Japan, Pakistan, Peru, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Togo shared their experiences.
Committee finalizes recommendations for food security program targeting vulnerable countries
By Globe Banner | Apr 17, 2024
The Committee has successfully implemented the instructions from ministers at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) by adopting recommendations to address food security needs for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries (NFIDCs). The Chair emphasized that this marks a significant achievement.
WTO begins training course for officials from least developed countries
By Globe Banner | Apr 16, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has commenced an introductory course aimed at government officials from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Geneva. The course is designed to enhance participants' understanding of the functioning, structure, and fundamental principles of the multilateral trading system. It focuses on specific WTO agreements and provisions related to LDCs, as well as the connection between WTO activities and trade policy issues specific to these countries.
Chair calls for fresh thinking after inconclusive agriculture talks at MC13
By Globe Banner | Apr 16, 2024
WTO members expressed disappointment at the lack of a conclusive outcome from agriculture negotiations during MC13. However, progress was acknowledged by the Chair, who emphasized that discarding past efforts would not be beneficial.
WTO opens applications for advanced course on trade analysis
By Globe Banner | Apr 15, 2024
Applications are now open for the WTO Advanced Course on Analyzing Trade in Services. This course is designed to help participants become familiar with analytical tools such as the I-TIP services interface, the Services Trade Policy Database, and the World Bank-WTO Services Trade Restrictions Index. These tools are crucial for establishing national frameworks to analyze services trade policies and formulate negotiating strategies.
WTO celebrates three decades since Marrakesh Agreement's inception
By Globe Banner | Apr 15, 2024
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Marrakesh Agreement with a video message. She highlighted the significance of the agreement, which was established by over 120 countries with the aim to transform global trade.
Plastics Dialogue plans new strategies with global support
By Globe Banner | Apr 12, 2024
Several coordinators of the Plastics Dialogue, including Barbados, Ecuador, and Morocco, emphasized the significance of the MC13 Ministerial Statement in advancing the Dialogue's development. They highlighted that the post-MC13 work plan aims to implement this statement and achieve further results by MC14. The coordinators also welcomed three new co-sponsors: Argentina, Mongolia, and North Macedonia.
WTO explores enhancements for information technology agreement amid rising global trade
By Globe Banner | Apr 11, 2024
China has introduced a new proposal, identified as G/IT/W/58, aimed at enhancing the functionality and relevance of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA). The proposal suggests hosting regular symposiums or workshops for industry representatives and stakeholders to share developments in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. It also includes publishing annual statistics on ICT trade, improving information sharing on ITA implementation, and strengthening cooperation on non-tariff barriers.
WTO discusses boosting developing economies' role in global trading system
By Globe Banner | Apr 11, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat has released a report detailing the recovery of developing economies in merchandise and commercial services trade following the pandemic-related decline. Despite this recovery, challenges persist, such as reliance on commodity exports and elevated trade costs.
WTO launches e-learning series on digital trade for developing economies
By Globe Banner | Apr 11, 2024
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.
WTO launches Global Services Trade Data Hub with extensive datasets
By Globe Banner | Apr 11, 2024
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.
UK contributes GBP 673k for sustainable development in least developed countries
By Globe Banner | Apr 10, 2024
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.
WTO forecasts global trade rebound but warns of potential risks
By Globe Banner | Apr 10, 2024
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.