The WTO Committee on Balance of Payments Restrictions held consultations on 22 June 2026 reviewing a US 10% import surcharge imposed to address its balance-of-payments deficit. The US presented a statement and responded to member questions, with IMF input on the US BOP situation also considered. The US indicated the temporary measure is expected to […]
Country/Institution Archives:Int
WTO Members Discuss 25 Proposals Under 2026 Trade Facilitation Agreement Review
At the WTO Committee on Trade Facilitation meeting on 10-11 June 2026, members discussed 25 proposals submitted under the second review of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. Members also agreed to hold a dedicated session on trade facilitation for small economies and addressed transit issues for landlocked developing countries.
WTO members review preshipment inspection challenges and customs valuation notifications
The WTO Committee on Customs Valuation met on 8 June 2026 to examine preshipment inspection (PSI) issues, drawing on private sector input and member experiences to guide future committee work. Members also reviewed 34 customs valuation notifications and addressed a trade concern raised by one member.
South Africa notifies WTO of safeguard investigation on A3/A4 office paper imports into SACU
South Africa notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards on 8 June 2026 of a safeguard investigation initiated on 5 June 2026 covering A3 and A4 office paper imported into the Southern African Customs Union. The notification follows standard WTO transparency obligations for safeguard proceedings.
Fish Fund supports Tonga’s first WTO fisheries subsidies notification
Tonga submitted its first-ever fisheries subsidy notification to the WTO under the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 3 June 2026, facilitated by the WTO Fish Fund. The notification was prepared during a May workshop in Nuku’alofa as part of a funded project, marking a milestone for Pacific developing nations in implementing the agreement.
WTO Members Discuss Ratification Preparations for E-Commerce Agreement, Targeting Mid-2027 Entry into Force
Over 60 WTO co-sponsors of the E-Commerce Agreement met on 9 June 2026 to advance ratification preparations, targeting mid-2027 entry into force. The ECA constitutes the first global baseline ruleset for digital trade and was adopted under interim arrangements at MC14, pending formal incorporation into the WTO rulebook.
Steel excess capacity continues to weigh on global markets, with subsidies increasingly undermining fair competition
An OECD report finds that steel excess capacity continues to distort global markets, with government subsidies increasingly undermining fair competition. The findings are relevant to ongoing trade remedy actions and multilateral discussions on steel overcapacity. Specific data on capacity levels and subsidy measures are highlighted as key concerns for trade policy.
WTO Members Advance Discussions on Key Issues for Unlocking Services Trade
The WTO Council for Trade in Services met June 2-4 to discuss future work areas including e-commerce services, green services economy, and LDC participation in services trade. Members agreed to hold a dedicated workshop on recognition of foreign professionals’ qualifications. Discussions also covered facilitating greater LDC integration into global services trade.
WTO Import Licensing Committee holds experience-sharing session on transparency and notification compliance
The WTO Committee on Import Licensing held its second experience-sharing session on 4 June 2026, with representatives from Cambodia, the EU, Myanmar, Thailand, and the United States presenting practices on notifications, public-private cooperation, and digitalization of licensing procedures. The Committee reviewed recent notifications and addressed 12 specific trade concerns. Focus was on improving transparency and […]
Global Trade Takes a Digital Leap with eATA Rollout in 30 Countries
The WCO and ICC have launched the digital ATA Carnet (eATA) across 30 countries to facilitate the temporary admission of goods. The eATA replaces paper-based carnets, streamlining customs procedures for goods temporarily imported for trade fairs, professional equipment, and similar purposes. This represents a significant multilateral customs facilitation measure with direct implications for cross-border trade […]