South Africa notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards on 14 July 2026 of a safeguard investigation initiated on 10 July 2026 covering certain cold-rolled iron and steel products imported into the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The notification follows standard WTO transparency requirements for safeguard proceedings.
Ministry Archives:Wto
United States launches safeguard investigation on lamb meat
The United States notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards on 17 July 2026 that it initiated a safeguard investigation on lamb meat imports on 13 July 2026. This is a formal WTO notification of a trade remedy proceeding.
WTO Trade Policy Review: India (Eighth Review, July 2026)
The WTO conducts its eighth Trade Policy Review of India on 21 and 23 July 2026, based on reports from the WTO Secretariat and the Government of India. The review covers India’s trade policies and practices across all sectors.
WTO Fish Fund Approves $2.2M in Grants to 17 Members for Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Implementation
The WTO Fish Fund Steering Committee approved grants totalling nearly USD 2.2 million to 17 additional developing and LDC members to support implementation of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The grants were approved under the Fund’s second Call for Proposals, which closed on 8 May 2026.
SPS Committee addresses record number of trade concerns, transparency and SPS mentoring
The WTO SPS Committee met June 24-26 and addressed a record number of sanitary and phytosanitary trade concerns affecting food product trade. Members also received updates on transparency work and agreed to renew a mentoring program for SPS officials in developing and least-developed countries.
WTO CRTA Reviews Five Regional Trade Agreements, Discusses Gender Provisions
The WTO Committee on Regional Trade Agreements reviewed five RTAs covering 17 members and two non-members at its June 25 meeting. The committee also examined topics under the Transparency Mechanism for RTAs and heard presentations on trade and gender provisions in various members’ agreements.
General Council Chair outlines way forward on WTO reform, identifies facilitators
WTO General Council Chair Ambassador Clare Kelly (New Zealand) presented next steps for advancing to the substantive phase of WTO reform at a heads of delegation meeting on 26 June 2026, including indicative checkpoints to monitor progress. Facilitators have been identified for the main reform areas based on member nominations. Members emphasized the urgency of […]
WTO Members Review Temporary US Import Surcharges in BOP Committee
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 […]
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.