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WTO releases latest edition of World Tariff Profiles with focus on EV minerals
By Globe Banner | Jul 25, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released the latest edition of its World Tariff Profiles, providing comprehensive data on tariffs imposed by member economies. The publication includes summary tables that list average "bound" or maximum tariffs and actual applied tariffs for both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
Dialogue identifies future focus areas in tackling global plastic pollution
By Globe Banner | Jul 24, 2024
The coordinators reported on the results of their consultations regarding priorities for the Dialogue's work in 2024 and 2025. Representing the six coordinators (Australia, Barbados, China, Ecuador, Fiji, Morocco), Ecuador and Barbados expressed gratitude to members for responding to a questionnaire on priorities and engaging in consultations over recent weeks.
Jordan accepts WTO agreement aimed at curbing harmful fisheries subsidies
By Globe Banner | Jul 23, 2024
Jordan has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, as announced by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala. “I am happy to receive Jordan's formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Jordan, the fourth member from the Middle East region to have formally accepted the Agreement, is demonstrating its leadership in protecting our shared marine resources for future generations. This is a critical step towards ending harmful fisheries subsidies and ensuring a thriving and resilient ocean for all,” she stated.
FIFA-WTO study reveals significant economic impact from Women’s World Cup
By Globe Banner | Jul 23, 2024
Women's football has grown exponentially in recent years, leading to a significant shift in global sports consumption. The rise of world-class women players has resulted in increased media coverage, rapid commercialization, and heightened engagement worldwide. This growth was evident at the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, which broke numerous records with a worldwide audience of 2 billion and 1.98 million spectators across ten stadiums.
France contributes EUR 6 million to aid trade expertise in developing economies
By Globe Banner | Jul 23, 2024
France's contribution will support four programs.
WTO discusses early start selection process Director-General
By Globe Banner | Jul 22, 2024
Members discussed the request from the African Group of members regarding the appointment of the Director-General (WT/GC/W/948). The African Group requests that the current Director-General make herself available to serve a second term and has proposed that the process of reappointing the Director-General should be started as soon as possible. The current term of DG Okonjo-Iweala finishes at the end of August 2025. She is eligible for a second four-year term.
Comoros and Timor-Leste join World Trade Organization
By Globe Banner | Jul 22, 2024
WTO members officially approved the accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste, both least-developed countries (LDCs), during a special ceremony at the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi on February 26.
Benin and Sierra Leone accept fisheries subsidies agreement
By Globe Banner | Jul 19, 2024
Benin and Sierra Leone have formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, increasing the total number of World Trade Organization (WTO) members to 80. This milestone was announced by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, who emphasized the significance of this support from least-developed members in promoting ocean sustainability and combating illegal fishing.
Madagascar begins safeguard probe into certain edible vegetable oils
By Globe Banner | Jul 18, 2024
Madagascar has initiated a safeguard investigation into certain types of edible vegetable oils. The announcement, issued on July 18, 2024, outlines that interested parties must notify the ANMCC, the investigating authority, within 30 days from the investigation's commencement.
Iraq resumes WTO accession talks after sixteen-year hiatus
By Globe Banner | Jul 18, 2024
Mr. Atheer Dawood Salman Al Ghrairi, Iraq's Minister of Trade, led a high-level delegation from Baghdad at the third meeting of the Working Party. Ambassador Saqr Almoqbel of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who chaired the Working Party for the first time since his appointment last year, welcomed Iraq's return to Geneva after many years, highlighting the significance of the formal resumption of Iraq's accession process. “The Minister's presence here, the first since 2008, sends a clear signal that Iraq's accession process is now back on track,” he remarked. The Working Party...
WTO updates progress on dispute settlement reform efforts
By Globe Banner | Jul 18, 2024
Ambassador Dwarka-Canabady addressed a Heads of Delegation meeting, the third since the formal dispute settlement reform process began earlier this year. "We know what we need to do," she stated. "We know we have to accelerate work. We need to find the best way of doing that to keep the process inclusive."
WTO releases documents for China's trade policy review
By Globe Banner | Jul 17, 2024
The following documents are available regarding the Trade Policy Review of China:
WTO committee discusses developing economies' participation in trade
By Globe Banner | Jul 16, 2024
The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development updated members on efforts to streamline discussions through consultations, informal thematic sessions, and more focused meeting agendas. Members expressed appreciation for these initiatives.
World Trade Congress on Gender extends call for papers deadline
By Globe Banner | Jul 15, 2024
The deadline for paper submissions to the World Trade Congress on Gender 2025 has been extended. Following its successful inaugural edition in December 2022, this international research conference will examine how innovation can drive women's empowerment and its implications for trade policies. The event aims to provide a platform for researchers and policymakers to discuss and gain insights into enhancing gender equality through innovation, the impact of new technologies on women's access to trade opportunities, and ways trade policies can foster such innovation.
WTO Director-General urges genuine negotiation among members
By Globe Banner | Jul 15, 2024
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has urged members to transition from discussion to action in their negotiations. Speaking at a Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) meeting, she acknowledged that while progress had stalled on key issues, there was recognition of the need to restart negotiations following a heads of delegation retreat on July 8.
WTO emphasizes role of climate-smart connectivity in global supply chains
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
In a recent address, Deputy Director-General Ellard of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the critical role of climate-smart connectivity and digital trade in enhancing regional and global integration, as well as sustainable development. The speech highlighted how connectivity serves as the cornerstone of effective supply chains in today's global economy, particularly in light of disruptions such as COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and environmental challenges.
Digitalization in trade facilitation highlighted at WTO meeting
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
Five members — China, Colombia, Ecuador, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Republic of Moldova — shared their experiences of using digitalization to facilitate trade at a recent trade facilitation meeting. Their presentations aligned with the committee's 2024 focus on this topic.
WTO explores ways to boost least developed countries' capacity in services trade
By Globe Banner | Jul 11, 2024
WTO members recently convened to explore strategies for enhancing the capacity of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to participate in services trade. Speakers emphasized that LDCs face significant challenges, including infrastructure issues, skills development, regulatory environments, and limited technological capacity. The necessity of international cooperation was highlighted, with several speakers advocating for an Aid for Trade roadmap to address these constraints.
WTO conducts trade policy review for Jamaica
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
The following documents are available:
Ellard urges swift action on fisheries subsidies at FAO meeting
By Globe Banner | Jul 10, 2024
At a recent meeting of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard emphasized the urgent need to complete critical work on fisheries subsidies. "The sustainability of fisheries is a growing emergency for nations worldwide as the deterioration of fish stocks accelerates unabated. Many millions of people worldwide depend on marine fishing for income, food security, and livelihood. Sustainable management of our ocean resources is therefore essential for our future," DDG Ellard stated.