Uzbekistan’s Working Party met on 27-28 July 2026, where Chief Negotiator Azizbek Urunov reaffirmed the country’s goal to complete WTO accession within 2026. Urunov emphasized the need to maintain engagement pace and address remaining member concerns to conclude the process successfully.
Ministry Archives:Wto
Brazil Initiates WTO Dispute Over US Section 301 Additional Duties
Brazil has requested WTO dispute settlement consultations with the United States over additional duties imposed on Brazilian products following two US Section 301 investigations. Brazil argues the additional duties exceed applicable MFN rates under the US harmonized tariff schedule. The request was circulated to WTO members on 30 July 2026.
WTO Panel Issues Report on Turkish Measures on EVs and Other Vehicles from China
A WTO panel circulated its report on 28 July 2026 in dispute DS629, initiated by China against Türkiye concerning measures affecting electric vehicles and other types of vehicles. The case addresses Turkish trade measures imposed on Chinese vehicles.
WTO TRIPS Council reviews IP notifications, pandemic preparedness, biodiversity and office cooperation
The WTO TRIPS Council met on 22-23 July 2026 to discuss member notifications of IP legislation, pandemic preparedness and technology transfer, the TRIPS-CBD relationship, and cooperation among IP offices. The session also covered technical cooperation updates and a side event on genetic resources. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Alaa Hegazy of Egypt.
Russia requests WTO dispute panel on EU CBAM and emissions trading scheme
Russia requested a WTO Dispute Settlement Body panel to review the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and an alleged export subsidy under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The DSB met on 24 July 2026 to consider the request. The chair also updated members on dispute settlement reform consultations.
Updated WTO-IMF TPA Index shows continued rise in global trade policy activity
A joint WTO-IMF Trade Policy Activity index shows a marked rise in global trade policy activity during 2025-26, with heightened tensions among major economies against an overall upward trend. The index tracks the volume and nature of trade policy measures worldwide.
Bhutan resumes WTO accession negotiations after 18-year hiatus
Bhutan’s Working Party on Accession held its 5th meeting on 9 July 2026, marking the country’s return to WTO accession negotiations after an 18-year pause. WTO members welcomed Bhutan back to the negotiating table, and Bhutan reaffirmed its commitment to joining the organization while noting economic progress since 2008.
Fertilizer Trade Disrupted by Strait of Hormuz Conflict
WTO Secretariat analysis shows urea and phosphate fertilizer trade severely disrupted by conflict in the Persian Gulf, with African and Asian economies most vulnerable to shortages and price hikes. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key fertilizer trade route, is cited as a major factor. Reopening the strait is identified as necessary to […]
WTO TBT Committee reviews emerging technology standards, adopts improved notification formats
The WTO TBT Committee met July 7-10, 2026, addressing standards for critical/emerging technologies, climate-resilient buildings, and lithium-ion batteries. The Committee adopted improvements to transparency procedures and digital notification tools. Members also reviewed 70 specific trade concerns.
WTO DG Calls for Simultaneous Progress on Reform and Negotiations at General Council Meeting
WTO Director-General Okonjo-Iweala urged members to advance both institutional reform and outstanding negotiations simultaneously at the July 14-15 General Council meeting. Members adopted several decisions in favor of developing and least-developed countries following MC14. The DG framed reform and negotiations as two sides of the same coin requiring parallel progress.