WTO: Trade Issues and the Environment
On 15 October 2020 the WTO issued a publication entitled Short Answers to Big Questions on the WTO and the Environment answering questions on issues relating to trade and the environment. Links Between Trade and the Environment Although trade
See MoreWTO: Role of trade policies in addressing plastic pollution
On 30 September 2020 the WTO Deputy Director-General addressed the role of trade policy in combating plastic pollution. Trade regulations, border duties and taxes, domestic tax law and incentives in the form of subsidies are some of the tools that
See MoreWTO: Enhancement of Special and Differential Measures for Developing Countries
On 23 September 2020 the WTO’s Committee on Trade and Development is holding a special meeting to discuss the possible enhancement of the measures for special and differential (S&D) treatment for developing countries contained in the various
See MoreWTO issues update on accessions
On 1 September 2020 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) published an update on accession negotiations for countries aiming for membership of the organisation. The WTO currently has 164 member countries and covers 98% of world trade. The WTO
See MoreIMF: Effect of the COVID-19 Crisis on Lower Income Developed Countries
An IMF blog post, dated 27 August 2020, notes that the low income developing countries (LIDCs) are in a difficult position to combat the COVID-19 crisis. They have already been hard hit by external shocks and the lockdown measures are causing their
See MoreIMF: Global Imbalances and the COVID-19 Crisis
On 4 August 2020 the IMF released the 2020 External Sector Report on global imbalances and the COVID-19 crisis. Trade Forecasts The COVID-19 crisis has led to a decline in global trade, a decrease in commodity prices and more challenging
See MoreWTO: Effect of COVID-19 Crisis on Trade Costs
On 12 August 2020 the WTO issued an information note on Trade Costs in the Time of Global Pandemic. The note uses information from the WTO’s forthcoming Global Trade Costs Index and other available indicators to look at the effect on trade costs
See MoreMexico modifies the General Customs Rules for 2020
On 24 July 2020, Mexico has published the first amendment to the General Customs Rules for 2020 in the Official Gazette. The amendments include changes to the Comprehensive Business Certification Scheme, in the VAT, VAT Certification and Authorized
See MoreEU: Consultation on Limiting the Impact of non-EU subsidies
A consultation on measures to limit the impact of non-EU subsidies was launched with the publication of a White Paper by the European Commission on 17 June 2020. The consultation will run until 23 September 2020 and the EU is looking at the
See MoreWTO: Trade Policy Review of European Union
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) issued a report in connection with the trade policy review of the European Union (EU) conducted on 18 and 20 February 2020. The review looked at developments in EU trade policy in the period from March 2017 to
See MoreWTO issues 2019 annual report
On 4 June 2019 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) published its annual report covering developments in 2018 and early 2019. The period was characterised by growing trade tension and economic uncertainty. A deceleration in economic activity led
See MoreSingapore: Ministry of Health proposes enlarged graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging
On 4 February 2018, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed for enlarged health warnings on tobacco packaging which could cover 75% of the packaging surface. From February 5th to March 16th , MOH will be conducting a public consultation
See MoreWTO and ICC: Participation by small business in international trade
An initiative launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) encourages companies and private sector organizations to suggest innovative ideas to promote cross-border trade by micro, small and medium
See MoreWTO: World Trade Statistical Review 2017
On 28 July 2017 the WTO issued the latest annual statistical report World Trade Statistical Review 2017. This publication examines trends in trade in goods and services and trade policy developments including restrictive trade practices. World
See MoreWTO: Amendment to Trade Policy Review mechanism
On 26 July 2017 the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) approved the first ever amendment to the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. The mechanism provides for periodic reviews of the trade policies and practices of WTO member states
See MoreWTO: Measures to facilitate cross-border trade for MSMEs
On 29 June 2017 the WTO’s Director General spoke during an informal dialogue on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These entities face greater barriers to cross-border trading and WTO members have put forward some ideas to deal with the
See MoreWTO Director General discusses issues in global trade
At the World Trade Symposium of 7 June 2016 on “Trade and Globalization in the Twenty First Century: The Path to Greater Inclusion” the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) spoke about current progress and remaining issues in
See MoreWTO: Trade policy review of United Arab Emirates
The World Trade Organization (WTO) conducted a review of the trade practices of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 1 and 3 June 2016. The review was conducted on the basis of a report prepared by the WTO secretariat. Real GDP growth in the UAE
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