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2026/11/07:
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On 6 November 2026, the European Union notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on the same day (6 November 2026), a safeguard investigation on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate resin
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2026/11/06:
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The multilateral trading system provides important tools for the development of a healthy and prosperous ocean economy, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in her keynote speech at an event on "Trade, Biodiversity and the Ocean Economy: Pathways to Resilience" at the WTO on 5 November. Highlighting the importance of strengthening support for coastal and island economies, she said: "Trade is part of the answer. The oceans are an asset of the global commons that can best be managed through multilateral approaches." The event was co-organized by Belgium, Fiji and
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2026/11/05:
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The third review of the trade policies and practices of Viet Nam takes place on 4 and 6 November 2026. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of Viet
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2026/11/04:
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On the margins of the Global Aid for Trade Review, the Partenariat pour le Coton (PPC – the Cotton Partnership) launched an Investment Promotion Drive on 29 October to help Africa’s farmers move from exporting cotton as raw fibre to increasing participation in higher-value activities, such as garment manufacturing. The aim of the drive is to connect investment with on-the-ground projects that will generate jobs and economic
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2026/11/04:
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At a meeting of the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies on 29 October, WTO members conducted the first review of notifications under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and shared experiences on how they are implementing the Agreement since it entered into force just over a year
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2026/11/03:
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At a meeting of the Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) on 30 October 2026, the Chair of the Committee - Raimondas Alisauskas (Lithuania) - expressed serious concern over persistently low compliance with subsidy notification obligations. He stressed that timely and complete notifications are both an obligation under the SCM Agreement and a shared interest, particularly as transparency gains prominence in WTO reform
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2026/11/02:
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On 30 October 2026, the European Union notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on the same day (30 October 2026), a safeguard investigation on imports of certain new hybrid
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2026/10/31:
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Marking the 20th anniversary of the Aid for Trade Initiative, WTO members adopted a declaration on 30 October repositioning the initiative as "Aid for Trade: partnerships for trade and development". The declaration was adopted at a meeting of the Committee on Trade and Development, which wrapped up the two-day 10th Global Review of Aid for Trade held at WTO headquarters in
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2026/10/31:
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The growing importance of trade between developing economies - South-South trade - is highlighted in a joint publication launched on Day 1 (29 October) of the 10th Global Review of Aid for Trade by the WTO and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). The publication examines how the partnerships fostered through South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation – South-South partnerships supported by a developed economy - are helping strengthen developing economies' trade capacities and facilitate market
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2026/10/31:
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At a meeting of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) on 29 October, WTO members considered five regional trade agreements (RTAs) among members as well as three involving non-members. They also took note of new RTA notifications and adopted the Committee's annual report for
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2026/10/30:
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The World Health Organization (WHO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) will hold the 13th Joint Technical Symposium on Enabling Ecosystems for Local and Regional Health Products Manufacturing: Considering the Role of Trade, IP, AI and Digital Innovation on 25 November 2026, hosted by WHO at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG). The deadline for registration is 23 November
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2026/10/30:
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"Re-globalization presents an opportunity for developing countries to move beyond their traditional areas of specialization in exporting primary products, and to occupy a more prominent place in the spheres of innovation, transformation, industrial production and marketing." That was the key message on 29 October of H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d'Ivoire, who delivered the latest edition of the Presidential Lecture under the WTO’s Presidential Lecture
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2026/10/29:
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"Developing economies seeking trade success need stronger partnerships with all stakeholders," WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in her opening remarks at the 2026 Global Review on 29 October, marking 20 years of the Aid for Trade initiative. Over two days, ministers, heads of international organizations and trade and development experts will take stock of the initiative's impact, discuss evolving trade needs and explore how stronger partnerships can help developing economies, including least-developed countries (LDCs), turn trade opportunities into economic growth, jobs and better
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2026/10/29:
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At meetings of the WTO's Committee on Trade and Development on 26-27 October 2026, members continued discussions on proposals covering trade as an engine for economic growth and the integration of trade and investment for industrialization. A group of members introduced a new proposal on capacity building for mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Members exchanged views and shared experiences on the three
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2026/10/29:
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The WTO’s Committee on Anti-Dumping Practices met on 27 October 2026 to review members’ latest notifications of new, amended or previously reviewed anti-dumping laws and regulations as well as reports on anti-dumping
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2026/10/29:
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At its regular meeting on 26 October, the WTO Committee on Safeguards reviewed safeguard actions covering 39 products, 11 of which were steel/metal products. Several members expressed their views on the actions of the European Union and the United Kingdom concerning certain steel products. The UK, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Türkiye commented on reports that the EU may be considering initiating an investigation into imports of certain hybrid vehicles. Brazil proposed improvements to notifications concerning the non-application of safeguard measures to developing
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2026/10/29:
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The third review of the trade policies and practices of the Democratic Republic of the Congo takes place on 28 and 30 October 2026. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the
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2026/10/29:
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A high-level roundtable held in Doha, Qatar, on 26 October brought together representatives of least-developed countries (LDCs), international organizations and development partners to discuss how trade, investment and development cooperation can support sustainable development in LDCs. WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill participated in the event, which also played an important role in advancing preparations for the Midterm Review of the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs, scheduled for 25-27 March 2027 in
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2026/10/27:
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At a transparency session on 23 October, WTO members welcomed progress in the WTO reform process and acknowledged a clear shift toward more substantive and focused discussions. Ahead of the meeting, facilitators for the discussions on WTO reform reported on their engagement with members during October on the four tracks of reform: decision-making, foundational issues, development, and level playing
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2026/10/26:
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On 22 October 2026, Zimbabwe notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 18 September 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of certain pasta
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2026/10/24:
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WTO members meeting in the Committee on Trade Facilitation on 21-22 October advanced work on the second review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and reaffirmed their commitment to completing the review by the end of the year. They also exchanged experiences on key implementation issues, reviewed specific trade facilitation matters raised by members, and discussed technical assistance
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2026/10/22:
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On 21 October 2026, the Philippines notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 9 October 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of
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2026/10/21:
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The WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) conducted their first joint technical assistance activity in Mogadishu, Somalia, from 10 to 15 October to support the government's preparations for the second meeting of the Working Party on the accession of Somalia. Supported by the United Kingdom, the technical assistance event also included discussions on regional integration and the forthcoming Trade for Peace Somalia
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2026/10/20:
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At its 15 October meeting, the WTO Committee on Import Licensing examined challenges for WTO members in preparing notifications, including findings from a recent WTO workshop for government officials. It also reviewed the latest information on members' notification practices. In addition, the Committee considered a range of trade concerns and reflected on lessons from recent experience-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening communication, public-private engagement and access to information on import licensing
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2026/10/16:
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Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joined leaders of multilateral development banks and other international organizations at a high-level roundtable held on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank – International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, on 16 October to review progress in expanding supply chain finance in developing economies and to discuss priorities for the next phase of
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2026/10/16:
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At a meeting of the Committee on Government Procurement on 14 October, parties to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012 welcomed Timor-Leste's submission of key documents required to kick off its negotiations on acceding to the Agreement. The Committee also reviewed regulatory developments, heard updates on the accession process of other members, and for the first time conducted a dialogue with the private sector on the significance of the Agreement in a changing trade
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2026/10/16:
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A first-ever report by the WTO Secretariat on the resolution of trade concerns related to market access highlights the effectiveness of the organization's committee work in helping members settle their differences without resorting to dispute settlement. The report was presented at a 12-13 October meeting of the WTO's Committee on Market Access (CMA). The committee also reviewed a record 36 trade concerns raised by members at its meeting, eight of which were raised for the first
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2026/10/14:
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The WTO Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO) met on 7-8 October to review developments in preferential rules of origin for least-developed countries (LDCs), hear updates from preference-granting members, and exchange experiences on origin administration and trade facilitation. Members also examined notifications on non-preferential rules of origin, discussed digital tools that can improve transparency and compliance with origin requirements, and considered draft annual reports on the Committee's
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2026/10/14:
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At meetings held from 7 to 9 October, the WTO Council for Trade in Services and the Committee on Trade in Financial Services commended the fruitful discussions on services trade at the 2026 Public Forum, continued discussions on transparency of measures regarding recognition of foreign service suppliers' qualifications, and exchanged views on how to reinvigorate the Council's work. Members also addressed how to facilitate digital payment systems and reduce the cost of remittances, help least-developed countries (LDCs) strengthen their participation in services trade, and various trade
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2026/10/13:
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On 12 October 2026, Madagascar notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 9 October 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of sugar confectionary as well as chocolate and cocoa
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2026/10/09:
)
Global trade proved more resilient than expected in the first half of 2026 despite the disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, as supply chains adapted and strong investment in artificial intelligence provided a powerful boost to goods trade. However, the resilience was not uniform, with services trade and some regions more exposed to the effects of the conflict. WTO economists have therefore raised the forecast for merchandise trade growth in 2026 while lowering the outlook for services
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2026/10/07:
)
WTO members meeting at the General Council on 5-6 October addressed issues related to the ongoing discussions on WTO reform, follow-up to outcomes of past ministerial conferences, and the state of ongoing negotiations on various topics. Members also discussed issues related to the Agreement on Electronic Commerce, emerging agricultural trade issues, and optimizing the outcome of future ministerial conferences, among other
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2026/10/06:
)
At a meeting on 2 October, co-sponsors of the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) discussed a work plan for 2026-27 in preparation for the 15th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC15). They identified priorities, working methods and potential deliverables for each work area, and expressed broad support for a transition towards more flexible and outcome-oriented
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2026/10/06:
)
Speaking at a panel on leadership in global trade at the 17th Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA) Forum on 1 October in Montreux, Deputy Director-General DJ Nordquist said that the WTO and its basic functions are increasingly important as geopolitics and economic security now play a much bigger role in trade decisions, with companies having to think more about geopolitical exposure, security of supply, regulatory risk and
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2026/10/06:
)
The Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) met on 2 October, with a focus on the practical role of intellectual property (IP) in helping small businesses innovate, grow and reach international markets. The meeting included an information session on IP tools and thematic presentations from members, international organizations and stakeholders. Several members reported on MSME initiatives in formal WTO
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2026/10/06:
)
At a meeting on 1 October 2026, WTO members participating in the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP) held the first substantive round of discussions across four areas of work: circular solutions to plastics pollution; waste-management technologies; single-use plastics; and trade-related plastics measures. Building on the DPP's outcomes from the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026 and earlier technical work, the discussions were aimed at moving towards more focused and practical work in the lead-up to
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2026/10/03:
)
At a transparency session on 30 September, facilitators for the discussions on WTO reform reported on recent meetings among members on the four tracks of reform: foundational issues, decision- making, development and level playing field. The facilitators noted a high level of engagement with members' written and oral proposals submitted in recent weeks. They acknowledged that momentum is building across all four tracks, but substantial work
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2026/10/02:
)
A meeting of the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) on 1 October provided WTO members with an opportunity to take stock of the WTO's negotiating agenda six months after the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé and voice their views on how to advance their work. Members heard readouts from the chairs of the negotiating bodies about the state of play in their respective
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2026/10/01:
)
The Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) met on 28-29 September to advance its discussions on the trade and environment nexus, focusing on interoperability and development aspects of trade-related climate measures. Members also built on the voluntary information sharing exercise launched earlier this year with a view to enhancing transparency of trade and climate measures in the Committee. In addition, they were briefed on work undertaken in other international fora and on developments in several member-led environmental initiatives at the
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2026/09/30:
)
Prospective participants in the 25th edition of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition on WTO Law, launched on 16 September 2026, are invited to attend webinars aimed at helping them to effectively participate in the
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2026/09/29:
)
The WTO, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank Group jointly organized a regional conference in Manila on 28-29 September that brought for the first time the Trade in Services for Development (TS4D) initiative to the Asia-Pacific region. The event allowed trade officials and other stakeholders from the region to discuss the role of services trade in development, exchange views on the use of analytical tools developed under the initiative and share best practices and policy approaches for supporting services trade in the
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2026/09/29:
)
New Zealand has contributed NZ$ 300,000 (approximately CHF 140,000) to the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) to help developing and least-developed countries, including in the Pacific, strengthen food safety and animal and plant health
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2026/09/29:
)
At a meeting of the WTO Committee on Agriculture on 24-25 September, WTO members addressed matters raised regarding implementation of their commitments and members' specific notifications. They also discussed a counter-notification submitted by Australia on India's support policies for sugar and heard a briefing on the global state of farming from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This was the first meeting under the new Chair, Mr William Horgan of
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2026/09/25:
)
The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on 25 September to a request from the Russian Federation for the establishment of a panel to review the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Package and alleged export subsidy under the EU scheme for trading greenhouse gas emission
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2026/09/25:
)
WTO members expressed their views on 23 September regarding the current state of the agriculture negotiations and how best to move them forward following the inconclusive outcome of talks in this area at the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé earlier this
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2026/09/24:
)
The multilateral trading system has underpinned a nearly 50-fold expansion of world merchandise trade volume and one of the most remarkable periods of economic growth and development in modern history, yet global trade policy and the WTO are experiencing the most serious and sustained disruptions since the system was created 80 years
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2026/09/18:
)
Artificial intelligence (AI), the environment, and issues facing developing economies were among the topics discussed by Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the latest cohort of WTO Young Trade Leaders at a meeting on 17 September. The Director-General underlined that harnessing the energy and ideas of young people is essential for addressing current and future trade
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2026/09/17:
)
A new report launched by the WTO Secretariat and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) on 17 September draws on case studies to illustrate how developing economies' export promotion strategies can help them take advantage of growing opportunities in services trade. "Export Promotion Strategies for Services: Lessons from the Developing World" provides useful policy insights for developing economies, underscoring the importance of close coordination with skills upgrading and investment attraction strategies and the need to adapt export promotion mechanisms traditionally focused on
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2026/09/16:
)
The 2026 edition of the WTO's Public Forum kicked off on 15 September in Geneva under the theme Powering the Future. Over three days, the Forum will welcome more than 4,600 participants from business, governments, civil society, academia and international organizations to discuss how trade in services is a key engine of development, a source of income, and a driver of job creation and empowerment
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2026/09/15:
)
The 2026 edition of the World Trade Report – issued on 15 September - finds that a strengthened multilateral trading system could increase global GDP by roughly 3% or USD 3 trillion by 2050, while inaction to modernize the trading system could reduce global output by up to 10%. The flagship publication of the WTO Secretariat, examining what the multilateral trading system has delivered over 80 years and where it is facing challenges, offers evidence relevant to ongoing efforts to keep trade rules fit for
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2026/09/15:
)
The WTO Secretariat launched a new publication on the role of stablecoins in supporting cross-border trade on 14 September on the sidelines of the WTO's first World Trade and Tech Day. The report, prepared by the Economic Research and Statistics Division and the Trade in Services and Investment Division, examines the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of stablecoins in facilitating international trade, highlighting how they can accelerate cross-border payments and their potential to increase participation in the international trading system, especially for developing
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2026/09/15:
)
Hundreds of participants gathered at the WTO for World Trade & Tech Day on 14 September, a sign of how AI is fundamentally changing the way cross-border commerce is evolving. Under the banner of "AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress", the day consisted of a full day of panel discussions and other knowledge-sharing opportunities aimed at fostering conversations on technology and trade. The event shone a spotlight on how AI and frontier technologies are making international trade more efficient, bringing together government leaders as well as academics and private sector representatives to discuss ways to harness AI's potential into tangible economic gains and an engine for inclusive
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2026/09/14:
)
On 9 September 2026, the Russian Federation notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards regarding the initiation on 7 September 2026 of a safeguard investigation on certain flat steel products with polymer coating imported into the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic
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2026/09/14:
)
The WTO Secretariat launched a new publication on the role of stablecoins in supporting cross-border trade on 14 September on the sidelines of the WTO's first World Trade and Tech Day. The report, prepared by the Economic Research and Statistics Division and the Trade in Services and Investment Division, examines the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of stablecoins in facilitating international trade, highlighting how they can accelerate cross-border payments and their potential to increase participation in the international trading system, especially for developing
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2026/09/09:
)
Global goods trade continued to strengthen in mid-2026 despite persistent geopolitical and policy-related uncertainties, according to the WTO Goods Trade Barometer released on 9 September
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2026/09/09:
)
The WTO published today (9 September) its 2026 Annual Report, providing a comprehensive account of the organization’s activities in 2025 and the early part of 2026. The Report looks back at recent key events, such as the 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026, and describes the WTO's work in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing world
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2026/09/08:
)
A new report by the WTO Secretariat, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the World Bank examines how digital trade is transforming the way Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) economies connect to international markets and identifies opportunities to unlock further growth, inclusion and development for the
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2026/09/08:
)
Twenty-nine government officials from developing and least-developed WTO members participated in the 2026 edition of the Advanced Workshop on Agriculture Notifications, held at the WTO from 1 to 4 September. The workshop seeks to enhance members' understanding of transparency requirements under the Agreement on Agriculture and supports their efforts to meet notification
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2026/09/03:
)
Global trade opens opportunities for economic growth. However, moving goods across borders, between exporters and importers, involves counterparty risk such as payment and liquidity risk. Trade finance facilitates trade by mitigating these risks.Using a new dataset, we find that volatile global financial conditions constrict the availability of trade finance, especially in emerging markets and developing countries. In addition, the level of development of local financial markets influences the supply of trade finance by global
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2026/09/03:
)
On 2 September 2026, Madagascar notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 31 August 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of hulled rice, semi-whitened or whitened rice, polished or glazed, and broken
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2026/09/01:
)
This year’s Public Forum, entitled Powering the Future, will feature 113 sessions – with a focus on trade in services – from 15 to 17 September. Sessions are organized by WTO member governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, academia and international organizations, with many sessions livestreamed on the WTO
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2026/08/30:
)
On 28 August 2026, Madagascar notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 13 August 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of self-adhesive labels, packaging and other printed items on paper, cardboard, plastics, textiles or other similar
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2026/08/28:
)
At a meeting on 28 August of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), WTO members adopted a panel report regarding the European Union’s anti-dumping duties on imports of fatty acid from
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2026/08/18:
)
The deadline for online registration for this year’s in-person Public Forum, which will take place on 15, 16 and 17 September, is 21 August 2026 (23.59 CET). Late and onsite registrations will not be
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2026/08/06:
)
On 5 August 2026, the United Kingdom notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on the same day, a safeguard investigation on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate
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2026/08/03:
)
The WTO will host the first World Trade and Tech Day on 14 September at its headquarters in Geneva, bringing together trade and information and communications technology (ICT) policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) strategies can better support economies' efforts to maximize the gains of international
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2026/07/31:
)
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its determination to complete its WTO accession process within 2026 at a meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan on 27 and 28 July, soon after its last meeting in March. The head of Uzbekistan's delegation, Chief Negotiator Azizbek Urunov, stressed that maintaining a strong pace of engagement and addressing members' remaining concerns will be critical to bringing the accession process to a successful
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2026/07/31:
)
World merchandise trade growth exceeded expectations in the first quarter of 2026 as surging trade in electronic components related to artificial intelligence (AI) offset the negative impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which began in the final month of the quarter. Trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to be more fully captured in trade data for the next
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2026/07/31:
)
Brazil has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States regarding additional US duties on products originating in Brazil as a result of two investigations by the United States under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. Brazil said the additional duties are above the duties otherwise applicable under the US harmonized tariff schedule. The request was circulated to WTO members on 30
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2026/07/29:
)
Lithuania is contributing EUR 30,000 (approximately CHF 28,000) in 2026 to finance training programmes for government officials from developing economies, including least-developed countries (LDCs). This contribution to the WTO Global Trust Fund will support these economies in deepening their expertise on WTO issues and help them participate more effectively in the rules-based multilateral trading
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2026/07/28:
)
On 28 July, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by China in "Türkiye — Measures Concerning Electric Vehicles and Other Types of Vehicles from China"
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2026/07/28:
)
At a meeting of the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on 22-23 July, members discussed notifications of intellectual property legislation, pandemic preparedness, technology transfer, the relationship between the TRIPS Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity , and cooperation among IP offices. The meeting, chaired by Ambassador Alaa Hegazy (Egypt), also featured updates on technical cooperation and on a side event on genetic resources held the previous day. Members exchanged views and shared practical experiences from a recent workshop on technology transfer and cooperation
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2026/07/27:
)
At a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 24 July, members considered a request from the Russian Federation for the establishment of a dispute panel to review the European Union's "Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Package” and alleged export subsidy under the EU scheme for trading greenhouse gas emission allowances. The DSB Chair, Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota (Brazil), also updated members on dispute settlement reform consultations and convened an informal discussion after the meeting to further hear members'
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2026/07/24:
)
In my previous two posts on the value of the WTO, I argued that when governments set trade policies independently, they focus on domestic effects but often overlook the costs imposed on trading partners. International trade agreements help governments take account of these cross-border spillovers (terms-of-trade externalities) by encouraging reciprocal negotiations over trade policy. While these negotiations will reduce trade protection, they will not necessarily lead to free trade. But if governments do not generally commit themselves to free trade, why has freedom of transit for goods been seen
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2026/07/23:
)
A new Trade Policy Activity (TPA) index by WTO and IMF economists shows a marked rise in trade policy activity during 2025-26, alongside heightened trade policy tensions among large economies, against the backdrop of an overall upward
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2026/07/21:
)
The Eighth review of the trade policies and practices of India takes place on 21 and 23 July 2026. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of
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2026/07/18:
)
On 17 July 2026, the United States notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 13 July 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of lamb
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2026/07/18:
)
WTO members reached consensus on 16 July on a slate of names of the chairpersons for 13 subsidiary bodies that report to the Council for Trade in
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2026/07/17:
)
At its meeting on 7-10 July, the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee tackled a broad agenda, including standards for critical and emerging technologies, climate-resilient buildings and lithium-ion batteries. The Committee also adopted improvements to transparency procedures and related digital tools and reviewed 70 specific trade concerns raised by
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2026/07/16:
)
On 14 July 2026, South Africa notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards regarding the initiation on 10 July 2026 of a safeguard investigation on certain cold-rolled products of iron and steel imported into the Southern African Customs Union
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2026/07/16:
)
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on WTO members to make simultaneous progress on reforming the organization as well as on outstanding negotiating topics, urging delegations to "collectively advance the two sides of the same coin". She made her remarks at a 14-15 July General Council meeting where she reviewed work undertaken since the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in late March and where members adopted several decisions in favour of developing and least-developed country
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2026/07/15:
)
At the 5th meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Bhutan held on 9 July, WTO members welcomed the country back to the negotiating table after 18 years. Bhutan reaffirmed its strong commitment to joining the WTO, while highlighting the positive economic developments achieved since
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2026/07/14:
)
WTO members shared their views on the state of agricultural negotiations and discussed how best to move talks forward on 9 July at the WTO Committee on Agriculture in Special Session in Geneva. It was the first meeting of the WTO's agricultural negotiating body since the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon earlier this year, at which WTO members were unable to reach a consensus outcome on
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2026/07/11:
)
During Development Week, held at the WTO from 6 to 9 July, members examined opportunities for least-developed countries (LDCs) in services trade, partnerships for trade capacity-building, progress under the Work Programme on Small Economies, and new proposals on economic growth, industrialization and support for developing
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2026/07/10:
)
Trade in urea and phosphate fertilizers has been severely disrupted by the conflict in the Persian Gulf, according to data analysed by the WTO Secretariat. Certain economies in Africa and Asia are particularly vulnerable to resulting fertilizer shortages and price hikes. Opening of the Strait of Hormuz – a key channel for fertilizer trade - will in due course contribute to easing trade frictions and restore stability to global
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2026/07/10:
)
At a meeting on 7 July, WTO members participating in the Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (FFSR) initiative reviewed outcomes from the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon and highlighted progress across key work areas since MC13. Members also examined global policy responses to energy market disruptions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, focusing on lessons from crisis-support measures and approaches to promote the energy transition in the
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2026/07/10:
)
At a meeting on 6 July, the Co-Coordinators of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement – Ambassador Marta Bonet of Chile and Ambassador Sung-yo Choi of the Republic of Korea – proposed a draft workplan aimed at guiding the next steps following the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14). Members participating in the IFD Agreement reaffirmed their objective of incorporating the Agreement into the WTO rulebook, discussed possible ways to advance its implementation, and reviewed progress on needs assessments for developing and least-developed
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2026/07/09:
)
The Heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group (WBG), and World Trade Organization (WTO) met on July 7 as part of the high-level coordination group established in April to maximize their institutions’ response to the energy, trade, and economic impact of the war in the Middle East. Following the meeting, they issued the statement
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2026/07/09:
)
On 8 July, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Indonesia in European Union – Anti-Dumping Measures on Imports of Fatty Acid from Indonesia
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2026/07/09:
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At a meeting of the Negotiating Group on Rules held on 8 July, the Chair, Ambassador Leslie Ramsammy of Guyana, reported on WTO members' active participation and constructive engagement in three information and thematic sessions on fisheries subsidies negotiations held since the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). He announced his intention to organize three Fish Weeks by the end of 2027, during which members will report on progress made in the negotiations and exchange views in thematic
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2026/07/09:
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At a meeting on 6 July, co-sponsors of the Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (DPP) focused discussions on developing a workplan for 2026-27 in preparation for the 15th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC15) with a view to continuing to deliver concrete, practical and member-driven outcomes. They identified priority areas and expressed broad support for a balanced and streamlined plan that advances substantive work while maintaining a manageable
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2026/07/08:
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WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed the President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, to the WTO on 8 July to discuss Georgia's economic and trade performance, its engagement in the multilateral trading system, and current developments in the global trading
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2026/07/07:
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At a meeting on 6 July, 79 WTO members participating in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) reviewed new booklets highlighting progress in their technical work so far and discussed TESSD's future priorities, working methods and potential deliverables in preparation for the WTO's 15th Ministerial Conference
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2026/07/07:
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The WTO has issued a new edition of “WTO Dispute Settlement: One-Page Case Summaries”, a regularly updated publication that provides succinct summaries of every panel and Appellate Body report adopted by the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) and every arbitration decision or award notified to the DSB up to the end of 2025. The publication also includes summaries of panel reports circulated to WTO members and published on the WTO website that have not yet been adopted by the DSB, as they remain subject to pending
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2026/07/06:
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A new study on the WTO accession experiences of Arab countries was launched on 6 July 2026, drawing lessons from past and ongoing accession processes of countries in the Arab region. The study is aimed at providing insights to Arab governments in the process of seeking WTO membership, examining the challenges associated with WTO accession for Arab economies and identifying approaches for advancing accession negotiations. It is co-published by the WTO Secretariat, the Islamic Development Bank, the Arab Monetary Fund and the Islamic Centre for Development of
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2026/07/04:
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The WTO Fish Fund will provide grants to an additional 17 developing and least-developed country (LDC) WTO members to help them implement the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, as approved by the WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee at its seventh meeting held on 2 and 3 July. The new grants, totalling nearly USD 2.2 million, were approved under the Fund's second Call for Proposals, which closed on 8
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2026/07/04:
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Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala issued a call on 1 July for deeper engagement between WTO members and academics, research institutes and other stakeholders in order to help advance ongoing discussions on WTO reform. Speaking at the opening of the WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) Annual Conference in Geneva, she highlighted the value of external perspectives in supporting members’ efforts to modernise and strengthen the multilateral trading
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2026/07/03:
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A new report published today, 2 July, by the WTO and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) examines the transformative impact of digital trade on global economic structures, with a particular focus on how fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks can support inclusive growth. The report explores the challenges and opportunities arising from the rapid digitalization of trade and considers how the digital divide between countries can be
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2026/07/02:
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The WTO has announced the candidates selected for the 2026 Young Trade Leaders Programme, an initiative launched two years ago to foster a better understanding of the WTO's work and international trade among young people. Seven individuals have been selected to form the latest cohort, who will begin immediately for a period of one
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2026/07/01:
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On 29 June, the Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and partner organizations announced the 2026 Small Business Champions. During meetings on 29 and 30 June, the Group held a thematic discussion on empowering small businesses to trade through artificial intelligence (AI) and continued a regular spotlight of small business leaders, among other key topics. The Group convened its annual consultations with the private sector, focusing on ways to help small businesses navigate trade uncertainties. Members welcomed Ghana as the 106th MSME Group
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2026/07/01:
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At a meeting held on 24-26 June, the Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Committee) addressed a record number of SPS-related trade concerns raised by members impacting trade in food products. The Committee also received readouts regarding work on transparency and agreed to renew a mentoring system for SPS officials in developing and least-developed
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2026/06/30:
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At a meeting of the Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) on 25 June, WTO members reviewed five regional trade agreements (RTAs) involving 17 members and two non-members. They also reviewed other topics relevant to the Committee's work under the Transparency Mechanism for RTAs. At the request of members, the Committee heard presentations on approaches with respect to trade and gender provisions in various members'
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2026/06/30:
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The WTO published on 29 June the 2026 edition of World Tariff Profiles, an annual publication providing comprehensive information on tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 150 economies. It is a joint publication with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and UN Trade and Development
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2026/06/30:
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The WTO co-hosted the Final Oral Round of the 24th edition of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition on WTO Law between 23 and 27 June. The University of Nairobi Faculty of Law, Kenya, emerged as the overall winner of the competition, with the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, finishing as the
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2026/06/29:
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At a heads of delegation meeting on 26 June, the General Council Chair Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand outlined the next steps for moving to the substantive phase of WTO reform, including indicative checkpoints to monitor progress. Reporting on her consultations with members, the Chair noted that many members underlined the urgency and importance of the work on WTO reform. She said that facilitators have been identified for the main areas of reform work, based on members'
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2026/06/27:
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At a meeting of the Committee on Government Procurement on 24 June, parties to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) 2012 welcomed Uruguay as its 39th observer. The Committee also discussed accessions to the GPA 2012 and issues concerning implementation of the Agreement. A side event marked the 10th anniversary of Moldova and Ukraine becoming parties to the GPA
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2026/06/25:
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The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) Committee on 23 June held a thematic session featuring presentations from public and private sector experts on how the ITA can be harnessed to enhance access to AI-enabling technologies, particularly for developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). The session aimed to enhance awareness of AI's high dependence on information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, and how eliminating tariffs on hardware – such as chips and servers – under the ITA helps reduce costs, accelerates the deployment of frontier technologies and stimulates inward investment in this
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2026/06/25:
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The final oral round of the 24th edition of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition on WTO Law opened on 23 June, bringing together 24 student teams from 13 WTO members to compete in Geneva. The WTO Dispute Settlement Body Chair, Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota of Brazil, welcomed the students participating in the week-long round, which will see teams present arguments before panels of WTO law experts, culminating in the grand final to be held between two teams on Saturday, 27
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2026/06/25:
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Speaking at the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit on 23 June 2026 in Rome, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill underscored the role of international trade in cushioning the impact of global disruptions. Since the early 2020s, she observed, economic shocks and disruptions to shipping routes have become a recurring feature of the global trading landscape, though the system has shown resilience in absorbing and adapting to these
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2026/06/24:
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The sixth review of the trade policies and practices of the Philippines takes place on 24 and 26 June 2026. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of the
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2026/06/24:
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The 2025 cohort of WTO Young Trade Leaders concluded their year of activities on 18 June, issuing a report on the future of the WTO at an event in Geneva and meeting with Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. The visit was organized in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
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2026/06/24:
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The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on 23 June to a request from China for the establishment of a panel to review measures in India affecting imports of solar cells, solar modules and information technology goods. The DSB Chair, Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota (Brazil), convened an informal discussion after the meeting to take stock of members' positions on dispute settlement
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2026/06/23:
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Speaking at the 24th Seoul International Forum on Trade Remedies on 23 June, WTO Deputy Director-General DJ Nordquist underscored the importance of transparent and predictable trade remedy practices in a period of heightened uncertainty for the global trading system. She highlighted the continued resilience of global trade, the growing use of WTO-consistent trade remedy instruments by members, and the need for WTO reform to ensure that the multilateral trading system remains responsive to contemporary economic realities and emerging trade challenges. Her full remarks are
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2026/06/23:
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Taking place from 29 to 30 October at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva, the 2026 Global Review will spotlight how stronger partnerships can help developing economies and least-developed countries turn trade opportunities into economic growth, jobs and better lives. The event will bring together trade and development practitioners, including ministers, heads of international organizations and
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2026/06/23:
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The Committee on Balance of Payments Restrictions (BOP) held consultations on 22 June 2026 to discuss a 10% import surcharge adopted by the United States to address its BOP deficit. WTO members heard a statement from the United States. They also considered a statement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the US BOP situation and a background note prepared by the WTO Secretariat. The United States responded to members’ questions and indicated that the temporary measure is expected to expire on 24 July
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2026/06/23:
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Artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization and technology are having a profound impact on intellectual property right protections, but how can the framework of international law keep pace with innovations? That is one question that 120 academics, researchers and policy makers debated on 18-19 June in Geneva, Switzerland. The two-day event was part of the 5th IP Researchers Europe (IPRE) Conference organized by the Faculty of Law, University of Geneva, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the
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2026/06/18:
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On 5 July 2026, the WTO will welcome the public to its headquarters in Geneva to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO's home (Centre William Rappard). The Open Day offers an opportunity for visitors to explore this historic building and its artworks and to enjoy a range of activities taking place on the lakeside
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2026/06/17:
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When I took up the position of WTO Chief Economist in January 2026, I knew that the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference, known as MC14, would be important for the future of the organization. Held at the end of March in Yaoundé, Cameroon, MC14 was my first Ministerial and therefore my first opportunity to see, at close range, how members would use this moment not only to negotiate, but also to take stock of the institution itself. I returned from Yaoundé with a clearer sense of where the institution now
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2026/06/16:
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The deadline for submitting proposals for this year’s Public Forum — entitled Powering the Future — has been extended to 17 June 2026. Individuals interested in organizing sessions at the Forum, to be held from 15 to 17 September, are invited to complete an online application
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2026/06/16:
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At the Committee on Trade Facilitation meeting on 10-11 June 2026, WTO members continued discussions on a total of 25 proposals submitted under the second review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Members also agreed to hold a dedicated session on trade facilitation issues for small economies and discussed transit issues facing landlocked developing countries
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2026/06/11:
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At an event in London on 10 June, Deputy Director-General DJ Nordquist emphasized that the WTO continues to provide the foundation for the large majority of global trade, even as the trading system adapts to new technologies, shifting supply chains and geopolitical uncertainty. She also stressed the importance of advancing WTO reform while preserving the predictability and transparency on which businesses depend. DDG Nordquist spoke at the launch of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre's Future of Trade Report 2026. Her remarks are
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2026/06/11:
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Co-sponsors of the E-Commerce Agreement (ECA) met on 9 June to discuss preparations for ratifying the world's first baseline set of global digital trade rules. The ratification process forms part of the interim arrangements adopted by over 60 members at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), pending incorporation of the ECA into the WTO
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2026/06/10:
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The Sixth review of the trade policies and practices of Uruguay takes place on 10 and 12 June 2026. The basis for the review is a report by the WTO Secretariat and a report by the Government of