WTO: Goods Trade Barometer Shows Strong Expansion
On 18 August 2021, the WTO published the latest reading of the WTO Goods Trade Barometer. The Barometer provides real time information on trends in trade in merchandise relative to the recent trajectory. It is therefore an indicator that runs ahead
See MoreWTO: Trade Monitoring Report
On 28 June 2021 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) issued the 25th WTO Trade Monitoring Report on G20 trade measures. The report covers the period from mid-October 2020 to mid-May 2021. The review notes that the period saw an increase in
See MoreWTO: Discussion on MSMEs and Green Technology
At the meeting of the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) on 10 and 11 March 2021, members discussed among other topics the use of IP by small businesses in relation to innovations in green technology. The
See MoreWTO Adopts Package of Recommendations to Assist MSMEs
On 11 December 2020 the WTO’s Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) adopted a package of six recommendations and declarations concerning problems encountered by MSMEs when engaging in international trade. The
See MoreWTO: Recommendations to assist small business
At a meeting on 5 November 2020 the Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) completed a package of six recommendations and declarations to assist the participation of MSMEs in international trade. The
See MoreWTO: 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 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 MoreWTO: Discussion of Future Objectives
On 3 March 2020 at an event on the future of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) an address was given by the Deputy Director General of the WTO summarising the work required to maintain and increase the benefit from the multilateral trading system.
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 MoreUK notifies the WTO of withdrawal from the European Union
A communication from the UK on 1 February 2020 (WT/GC/206) has set out detail on the implications for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its departure from the European Union (EU). The communication notifies the WTO that the UK ceased to be a
See MoreWTO: Discussions on Investment Facilitation for Development
A meeting of the WTO’s Structured Discussions on Investment Facilitation for Development took place on 12 December 2019. The initiative was launched two years ago and WTO members aim to make progress on this issue before the 12th Ministerial
See MoreWTO: Trade restrictions at historic highs in G20 countries
A Trade Monitoring Report was issued by the WTO on 21 November 2009 covering the period from mid-May to mid-October 2019. The report indicates that the G20 countries introduced import-restrictive measures affecting goods worth around USD 460.4
See MoreWTO: World Trade Statistical Review 2019
The WTO’s World Trade Statistical Review 2019 was published on 29 July 2019. The publication considers the trends in global trade, with analysis of trade in goods and services and the participation of developing economies in world trade.
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 MoreWTO: Director General Comments on World Trade Report
At a meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body on 25 July 2018 the WTO’s Director General commented on the Trade Monitoring Report issued earlier in July 2018. The report covers the period from mid-October 2017 to mid-May 2018. The Director General
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