About: WTO
Kenya’s WTO candidate says she will focus on climate change if selected
Kenya's candidate to become the next head of the World Trade Organisation pledged on Thursday to integrate climate change issues into the WTO agenda if selected.
Chinese business group reacts to EU plan against state-backed foreign buyers
The European Commission's plan to fence off the EU's industrial crown jewels from state-backed foreign buyers may breach WTO rules, lobbying group the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU said in its feedback on the proposal.
WTO faults US over Trump’s China tariffs
The World Trade Organization has upheld a complaint by China over additional US duties on some $250 billion of Chinese goods, a decision that sparked outrage in Washington.
Captainless WTO in troubled water with no land in sight
As Roberto Azevedo leaves the World Trade Organization Monday (31 August), the institution faces multiple crises without a captain -- a situation experts warn could drag on for months.
Irish PM, Deputy PM call on EU trade chief Hogan to quit
Ireland's prime minister and the deputy prime minister asked European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan, Ireland's EU commissioner, to consider resigning over his attendance at an event being investigated for breaching COVID-19 regulations.
WTO set to skip naming acting chief after US push caused deadlock
World Trade Organization members are likely to refrain from appointing an interim director-general to succeed Roberto Azevedo when he steps down at the end of August, two sources following the process said on Wednesday (29 July), after Washington's insistence on a US candidate caused a deadlock.
UK WTO nominee plays down Brexit row
The UK’s nominee to lead the World Trade Organisation insisted on Friday (17 July) that Brexit would not derail his prospects, as the eight candidates to head the Geneva-based body made their first pitches for the job.
Race for the WTO hot-seat leans toward Africa
COVID-19's potential to wreck long-term damage on global commerce means the World Trade Organisation (WTO) faces a crucial period under a new director-general, who may end up hailing from Africa for the very first time.
EU trade chief Hogan says he will not seek to head WTO
European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said on Monday (29 June) he would not seek to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation, despite having previously stated he was looking into the possibility.
Europe leaning toward proposing a single candidate for WTO
A majority of EU member states support agreeing on a single European candidate to succeed Roberto Azevedo as the World Trade Organisation chief, a bid that EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan said he is considering.
Amid COVID-19 recession concerns, US aircraft tariffs come into effect
The Trump administration enacted its planned duty rate increase for aircraft imported from the EU on Wednesday (18 March), amid the continuing spread of COVID-19 and fears of a subsequent recession. These measures will increase the rate from 10 to 15%, particularly impacting Airbus.
United States accuses WTO’s Appellate Body of overreach in dispute handling
The US Trade Representative's office on Tuesday (11 February) accused the World Trade Organization's Appellate Body, which decides trade disputes between member countries, of "persistent overreaching" and failure to comply with WTO rules.
Davos 2020 diary – day #5
Welcome to Davos where the 50th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is taking place on 21-25 January. Throughout the week, EURACTIV gives you a glimpse into one of the world’s most exclusive conferences where political and business leaders meet every year to discuss global economic trends.
China, WTO members join EU’s ad-hoc appellate body in Davos
EU member states reached an agreement on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum with 16 World Trade Organisation members, including China, to establish an ad-hoc appeal body and overcome the US blockage of the global trade-regulating system.
Croatian Presidency praises Kazakhstan for readiness to host ‘difficult’ WTO ministerial
The Croatian EU Presidency praised Kazakhstan on Monday (20 January) for its initiative to host a ministerial conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at a time when the world trade body is facing a deep crisis.
EU, US, Japan agree on proposals to limit subsidies
The EU, US and Japan put forward on Tuesday (14 January) a proposal to limit industrial subsidies among WTO members and explored ways to address forced technology transfers, two issues at the core of ongoing trade frictions with China.
France and US seek compromise on digital tax in 15 days
France and the US will try to settle their dispute over the French digital tax in 15 days to avoid further tariffs, French Finance minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday (7 January).
EU charts path for ‘challenging’ post-Brexit UK deal
EU will keep engaging with the UK through the WTO and the UN as both sides work out a deal on their future ties once Britain leaves the bloc, according to the top Brexit negotiator in Brussels, Michel Barnier.
EU leaders to call for strengthening of trade sanction toolbox
EU leaders will urge co-legislators in the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to examine “as a matter of priority” the possibility to sanction countries breaching trade rules and blocking the dispute settlement process, according to the latest version of the summit conclusions seen by EURACTIV.
EU to strengthen trade sanctions as WTO paralysis starts
As the international system for settling trade disputes is set to become crippled on Tuesday (10 December), Europe will in the coming days propose ways to bolster its sanction toolbox against countries that adopt ilegal trade measures and block the renewal of WTO’s appellate body.
France ready to take Trump’s tariff threat to WTO
France is ready to go to the World Trade Organization to challenge US President Donald Trump's threat to put tariffs on champagne and other French goods in a row over a French tax on internet companies, its finance minister said on Sunday (8 December).
A new trade policy with teeth and muscle
Europe is prepared to step up its response to unfair trade practices and push for a renewed WTO, aiming to display a more assertive stance towards its partners in the future.
US slams tariffs on EU goods, targeting Airbus, wine and whisky
The United States imposed tariffs on a record $7.5-billion worth of European Union goods on Friday (18 October), despite threats of retaliation, with Airbus, French wine and Scottish whiskies among the high-profile targets.