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 […]
Topic Archives:Market Access
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 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.
South Africa Participates in US USTR Section 301 Forced Labour Investigations Hearing
South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition led a government delegation to a public hearing in Washington DC on 9 July 2026, hosted by USTR, concerning Section 301 investigations into forced labour practices across 60 economies. The hearing examines acts, policies, and practices related to failure to impose and effectively enforce measures against forced […]
Commission upgrades import monitoring mechanism
The European Commission is upgrading its import monitoring toolbox by reconfiguring the ‘import barometer,’ a data-gathering tool originally established in 2025, to respond to growing imbalances in global trade. The upgrade aims to improve tracking of import trends across the EU.
EU Publishes 2026 GSP Implementation Report
The European Commission and High Representative published a joint report on implementation of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), the bloc’s primary trade policy tool for supporting developing country exports. The report assesses the scheme’s contribution to sustainable economic growth. GSP grants preferential tariff access to eligible developing countries.
WTO General Council July 2026: UK Statements
The UK delivered statements at the WTO General Council meeting in July 2026, presented by the UK’s Permanent Representative Kumar Iyer. The statements cover UK positions on WTO matters discussed at the General Council. Specific policy positions and outcomes are contained in the full text.
Brazil’s Defense in the Section 301 Framework
Brazil is presenting its defense in a US Section 301 trade investigation. The press release addresses Brazil’s formal response to the US trade remedy proceeding under Section 301 of the Trade Act. This directly concerns a named trade remedy measure targeting Brazil.
Temporary Exception List for Automotive Products under Economic Complementation Agreement No. 14 (ACE-14)
Brazil’s MDIC/CAMEX published the temporary exception list for automotive products under ACE-14, the bilateral trade agreement between Brazil and Argentina. This list governs preferential tariff treatment and exceptions for automotive sector trade between the two Mercosur members.
United States and Mexico to Hold Third USMCA Joint Review Bilateral Negotiating Round in Mexico City
The US and Mexico will meet in Mexico City on July 21 for three days for the third bilateral negotiating round of the USMCA Joint Review. Discussions will focus on trade in steel and aluminum and de minimis (implied by snippet truncation). This is part of the formal USMCA review process.