Research in developing a new Trade Policy Activity (TPA) index by a group of WTO and IMF economists reveals a marked pick-up in trade policy activity from around 2019-2020, reflecting increased interventions in trade for a range of policy objectives. The change also corresponds to the period of (...)
Acceding members remain a source of hope for the future of the trading system at a time when the multilateral framework is under pressure, Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang said at an event held on 22 and 23 October in Geneva commemorating the WTO membership anniversaries of Georgia and (...)
On 23 October, the WTO circulated the compliance panel report in the case brought by the European Union in Colombia — Anti-Dumping Duties on Frozen Fries from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands (DS591).
A high-level forum organized by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 22 and 23 October in partnership with the WTO Secretariat highlighted how international trade can support Central Asian economies and neighbouring states by driving economic growth and enhancing regional integration. Senior (...)
Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang reaffirmed the WTO's commitment to helping landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) address transit challenges for participation in global trade at the Ministerial Meeting of LLDCs held on the margins of the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on (...)
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala met with the President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daniel Francisco Chapo, on 21 October at the WTO. They discussed Mozambique's current economic situation and the potential for the country to further develop and diversify its mineral-rich economy. Both (...)
China has requested WTO dispute consultations with India regarding certain Indian measures in the automotive and renewable energy sectors. China said the measures in question include incentives to promote the production of advanced chemistry cell batteries, automobile and auto components, and (...)
The WTO Secretariat has launched a new resource hub for parliamentarians on the WTO website, with the aim of providing legislators with timely updates on trade issues, direct access to key resources and information on training opportunities related to the multilateral trading system. The hub is (...)
At a meeting of the WTO’s General Council on 6-7 October, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala once again underlined the need for fundamental reform of the organization but also highlighted that the WTO “provides important tools that are worth preserving.” The facilitator for the ongoing reform (...)
Global merchandise trade outpaced expectations in the first half of 2025, driven by increased spending on AI-related products, a surge in North American imports ahead of tariff hikes, and strong trade among the rest of the world. In response, WTO economists raised the 2025 merchandise trade (...)