World Trade Organization Press Releases - EIN Presswire - Press Release Distribution Service

Published on March 20, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

AI investment and Middle East conflict shape outlook for global trade

by Robert Staiger The outlook for world trade in 2026 will be shaped by two powerful and opposite forces. On the one hand, the extraordinary momentum of investment in artificial intelligence (AI) continues to energize global demand for high-tech goods and …

Distribution channels: Banking, Finance & Investment Industry

Published on March 19, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Participants launch MC14 environmental sustainability package, chart new phase of action

Ambassador Ronald Saborío of Costa Rica, a Co-Convenor of the TESSD discussions, said: "Today, we are releasing these documents publicly to inform policymakers and stakeholders. The documents reflect an impressive level of work and dedication from …

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Published on March 19, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Middle East conflict weighs further on slowing trade outlook

The latest "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" released on 19 March provides a baseline growth scenario excluding energy price shocks, forecasting that global merchandise trade growth would slow to 1.9% in 2026 from 4.6% in 2025 as trade is …

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Published on March 19, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Arbitrator to set level of trade suspension in Indonesia–EU palm oil biofuels dispute

DS593: European Union - Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels On 9 March, Indonesia submitted a request for authorization to suspend concessions with respect to the European Union as a result of what it said was the EU' …

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Published on March 18, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Canada launches safeguard investigation on certain vegetable goods

In the notification, Canada indicated, among other things, as follows: "4. Provide a point of contact for the investigation and identify the preferred means for corresponding: Point of contact: Registrar Canadian International Trade Tribunal 5th Floor …

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Published on March 16, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Market Access Committee adopts decision on recording the resolution of trade concerns

Recording the resolution of trade concerns The CMA adopted a decision on recording the resolution of trade concerns. The Decision notes that WTO members currently use the CMA as a forum to discuss and seek resolution of trade concerns and that they wish to …

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Published on March 16, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

WTO launches applications for 2026 Young Trade Leaders Programme

Young people between the ages of 18 and 28 with a strong interest in international trade are encouraged to apply. About the Young Trade Leaders Programme The Young Trade Leaders Programme was created in 2024 to establish a closer link between young …

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Published on March 12, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

DDG Zhang welcomes 2026 cohorts of participants in two technical assistance programmes

A ceremony held at the WTO headquarters on 12 March marked the launch of the 2026 edition of two WTO technical assistance programmes, the French Irish Mission Programme (FIMiP) and the Netherlands Talent Programme (NTP). Welcoming participants, Deputy …

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Published on March 11, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Members review record SPS trade concerns; group weighs transparency challenges, solutions

Specific trade concerns Members raised a new record high of 76 specific trade concerns (STCs) at the SPS Committee meeting. Twelve of the STCs were raised for the first time. The new STCs included concerns related to food additives, additional treatment …

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Published on March 11, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Russia notifies launch of safeguard investigation on tinplate

In the notification, the Russian Federation indicated, among other things, as follows: "4. Provide a point of contact for the investigation and identify the preferred means for corresponding: The point of contact would be available to respond to …

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Published on March 11, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Launch of third phase of EIF activities at MC14 high-level event

Kadra Ahmed Hassan, Djibouti's Ambassador and Chair of the EIF Executive Board, said: "The EIF's Phase Three is being launched at a pivotal moment for LDCs and countries that have recently graduated from LDC status. The EIF's Phase Three …

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Published on March 11, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

WTO chairpersons for 2026

General Council H.E. Ms Clare Kelly (New Zealand) Dispute Settlement Body H.E. Mr Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota (Brazil) Trade Policy Review Body H.E. Ms Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy (Samoa) Council for Trade in Goods: H.E. Mr Erwin Bollinger (Switzerland) …

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Published on March 10, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Director-General updates members on final preparations for "turning point" ministerial

"MC14 will be consequential for the organization," DG Okonjo-Iweala told delegations. "It is what I call a 'Turning Point Ministerial', one in which we can show that the organization is up to the job of taking criticism seriously and …

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Published on March 9, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Uzbekistan commits to maintaining "strong momentum" to accede to WTO in 2026

The high-level delegation from Tashkent comprised 20 senior government officials, including Azizbek Urunov, Representative of the President of Uzbekistan on the WTO and Chief Negotiator, Akhadbek Khaydarov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance, and …

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Published on March 9, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

The value of the WTO: An economics viewpoint in six instalments

By Robert Staiger Why do economies negotiate trade agreements? If unilateral free trade can benefit an economy, why do governments devote so much effort to negotiating reciprocal tariff reductions and detailed trade rules with their partners? The answer …

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Published on March 9, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

From field to factory, football and fashion: MC14 high-level event to spotlight cotton

The WTO Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and FIFA will bring together ministers, stakeholders, development …

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Published on March 6, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Coordinators of Plastics Dialogue ready ministerial statement and other outcomes for MC14

The meeting was chaired by the Ambassadors and Deputy permanent representatives of Barbados, China, Ecuador, Morocco, Australia and Fiji - the co-coordinators of the DPP. Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam attended the meeting. The coordinators …

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Published on March 5, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

EU contributes EUR 1 million to strengthen trade capacity in developing economies, LDCs

This contribution to the WTO's Global Trust Fund (GTF) will help finance the implementation of the WTO's technical assistance plan through targeted capacity-building initiatives. These programmes enable government officials from developing …

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Published on March 5, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

WTO members conclude month-long reform discussions in Geneva

During a transparency session with all the membership on 5 March, Ambassador Ølberg said that he will submit the most recent revised draft ministerial statement and work plan to the General Council for ministers' consideration at MC14. The General …

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Published on March 4, 2026 - 00:00 GMT

Government Procurement Committee discusses GPA implementation, progress in accessions

Regulatory developments in Canada The United States, echoed by the European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, raised concerns with new federal-level Canadian policies that entered into force in December 2025 and grant …

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