Latest News
WTO's World Trade Report highlights inclusiveness through global economic integration
By Globe Banner | Sep 9, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released its 2024 World Trade Report, emphasizing the transformative role of trade in reducing poverty and fostering shared prosperity. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted this point in her foreword, stating, “Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the report is its reaffirmation of trade's transformative role in reducing poverty and creating shared prosperity — contrary to the currently fashionable notion that trade, and institutions like the WTO, have not been good for poverty or for poor countries, and are creating a more...
Indonesia initiates safeguard probe into polyethylene imports
By Globe Banner | Sep 9, 2024
Indonesia has initiated a safeguard investigation on polyethylene, according to a notification released on September 9, 2024. The Indonesian Safeguards Committee (Komite Pengamanan Perdagangan Indonesia - KPPI) will be handling the investigation.
WTO official urges new strategies linking trade with environmental sustainability
By Globe Banner | Sep 9, 2024
In a recent address in Geneva, Deputy Director-General (DDG) Paugam of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the need for innovative approaches to integrate trade and environmental policies. Speaking at a forum dedicated to this topic, he highlighted the transformative impact of sustainable economic policies on global trade dynamics.
Goods Trade Barometer signals upturn in global merchandise trade
By Globe Banner | Sep 4, 2024
The Goods Trade Barometer, a composite leading indicator for global trade, has risen above trend, indicating an upturn in merchandise trade volume. The barometer's latest reading of 103.0 suggests that trade volume growth will remain positive in the second and third quarters of 2024 once official statistics are released.
Public Forum 2024 to discuss re-globalization through trade
By Globe Banner | Sep 4, 2024
The 2024 Public Forum will explore how re-globalization through trade can lead to a better world. It will focus on how green policies, services, and digitalization can contribute to this objective.
Timor-Leste becomes World Trade Organization's newest member
By Globe Banner | Aug 30, 2024
Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay of Timor-Leste handed to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala the instrument of acceptance of its Protocol of Accession at a meeting of the General Council on July 22, 2024.
Ireland donates EUR 200,000 to support global food safety through STDF
By Globe Banner | Aug 23, 2024
Ireland has contributed EUR 200,000 to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to bolster global food safety and trade initiatives. This contribution brings Ireland's total donations to over EUR 2.9 million since 2007.
WTO opens applications for course on services aspects of e-commerce
By Globe Banner | Aug 21, 2024
Applications are now open for a World Trade Organization (WTO) course focusing on the services aspects of e-commerce. The course aims to familiarize participants with the connections between e-commerce, services trade, and the disciplines outlined in the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services. It will place particular emphasis on specific service sectors and include discussions on the moratorium on e-commerce and other related topics within the WTO framework.
Comoros becomes World Trade Organization’s newest member
By Globe Banner | Aug 21, 2024
The 30-day countdown to Comoros's WTO membership was activated when Ambassador Sultan Chouzour handed Comoros's instrument of acceptance of the Protocol of Accession to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at a meeting of the General Council on July 22, 2024.
WTO announces last chance to register for 2024 Public Forum
By Globe Banner | Aug 19, 2024
The 2024 Public Forum, themed “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World,” will be held in person at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. The event requires all participants to complete an online registration form.
China files WTO complaint over EU subsidy duties on electric vehicles
By Globe Banner | Aug 14, 2024
China has initiated a dispute complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the European Union's subsidy duties on electric vehicles. According to China, the measures appear inconsistent with Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 and various provisions of the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
WTO announces first cohort of Young Trade Leaders
By Globe Banner | Aug 7, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced the first cohort of its Young Trade Leaders Programme, established to engage young people with the organization's work and promote a better understanding of its role in supporting international trade.
WTO's 2024 Public Forum registration closes on August 23
By Globe Banner | Aug 5, 2024
The 2024 Public Forum, themed “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World,” will be held in person at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva. The online registration form, mandatory for all participants, closes on August 23.
EU challenges Chinese Taipei’s wind installation policies at WTO
By Globe Banner | Jul 31, 2024
The European Union has initiated a dispute complaint regarding Chinese Taipei’s wind installation measures. The EU asserts that the measures contain domestic content requirements, which are inconsistent with provisions under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures, and the General Agreement on Trade in Services.
WTO launches new interactive tool for world trade statistics
By Globe Banner | Jul 31, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has introduced a new interactive tool, "World Trade Statistics 2023 — Key insights and trends," aimed at providing comprehensive data on global trade.
WTO releases annual report highlighting resilience and future direction
By Globe Banner | Jul 30, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released its 2024 Annual Report, marking the organization's 30th anniversary. In an opening message, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the WTO's role in leveraging trade to enhance living standards, create better jobs, and promote sustainable development.
WTO Dispute Panels Established Over EU Citrus Import Measures
By Globe Banner | Jul 26, 2024
South Africa has submitted its second requests for two panels in disputes it initiated concerning European Union regulations governing the importation of citrus fruits. These measures, aimed at controlling the spread of the insect Thaumatotibia leucotreta (False Codling Moth) and the fungus P. citricarpa (citrus black spot), have impacted South African citrus imports. The EU previously declined South Africa's first requests at a DSB meeting on 24 June.
WTO concludes advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials
By Globe Banner | Jul 26, 2024
The advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials, organized by the World Trade Organization (WTO), concluded in Geneva on July 26, 2024. Participants engaged in workshops, case studies, and roundtable discussions to learn about current trade issues and WTO discussions, enhancing their expertise in applying trade agreements. The course also provided opportunities to interact with Geneva-based WTO member representatives, experts from other international organizations, and representatives from the WTO Secretariat.
Informal Working Group welcomes Gambia launches online policy tool
By Globe Banner | Jul 25, 2024
The formal participation of the Gambia in the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender (IWG) officially commenced on July 1, 2024. "This milestone reflects our commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women," said Kemo Janka of the Gambia's Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. "We recognize that trade is a powerful engine for growth and development. By integrating gender considerations into our trade policies, we can create a more inclusive and equitable economy," he added.
WTO Deputy Director-General emphasizes organization's role amid rising geopolitical tensions
By Globe Banner | Jul 25, 2024
DDG Hill highlighted the resilience of international trade in the face of polycrises over the last few years. At the end of 2023, merchandise trade in real terms was 6% above its pre-pandemic peak and up 19% compared to 2015. According to the WTO's recent trade forecast, global goods trade is expected to gradually recover by increasing 2.6% this year after a 1.2% contraction in 2023.