Latest News
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.
WTO reviews six regional trade agreements focusing on economic cooperation
By Globe Banner | Apr 8, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) members recently reviewed six regional trade agreements during a committee meeting. The discussions covered various agreements involving ASEAN, Japan, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Pacific Island countries.
Türkiye initiates safeguard probe on ethyl acetate imports
By Globe Banner | Apr 8, 2024
Türkiye has informed the World Trade Organization's Committee on Safeguards of its initiation of a safeguard investigation into ethyl acetate, starting from April 6, 2024. The notification to the WTO was made on April 8, 2024.
WTO opens registration for public forum focusing on re-globalization
By Globe Banner | Apr 4, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened online registration for its 2024 Public Forum, which will focus on the theme of re-globalization and its potential to make trade more inclusive. The event will also delve into the roles of digitalization, services, and sustainability in achieving this inclusivity.
Australia and China resolve wine duties dispute through WTO
By Globe Banner | Apr 3, 2024
Australia and China have reached a mutually agreed solution in their dispute over wine duties. On March 29, both countries submitted a notification to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body regarding dispute DS602, titled "China — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Wine from Australia." This notification was shared with WTO members on April 3.
China challenges US tax credits for electric vehicles at WTO
By Globe Banner | Mar 28, 2024
China has initiated a dispute with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning specific tax credits under the US Inflation Reduction Act. These credits are designed to encourage the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy projects. The request for consultations was shared with WTO members on March 28, 2024.
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 discusses digital trade impact amid pandemic challenges
By Globe Banner | Mar 27, 2024
World Trade Organization (WTO) members convened to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on digital and remittance services during events held on March 25 and 27. These discussions were organized under the Committee on Trade in Financial Services and the Council for Trade in Services.
WTO opens applications for regional workshop on trade and public health
By Globe Banner | Mar 26, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is organizing a Regional Workshop on Trade and Public Health in Rabat from May 28 to 30, 2024. The workshop is aimed at government officials from WTO members and observers in French-speaking Africa. Applications for participation are open until April 3, 2024.
Committee agrees on market access sessions; addresses trade concerns
By Globe Banner | Mar 26, 2024
Members of the Committee on Market Access (CMA) have agreed on a timetable for thematic sessions in 2024, focusing on supply chain resilience and promoting a greener Harmonized System (HS). This system is used to classify traded goods in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). The meeting, held on March 25-26, also addressed numerous trade concerns and elected Mr. Kenya Uehara of Japan as interim Chair.
WTO releases report on Australian duties on Chinese products
By Globe Banner | Mar 26, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report on March 26, 2024, concerning the dispute initiated by China against Australia. The case, titled "Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China" (DS603), addresses Australia's imposition of duties on specific Chinese goods.