World trade fell sharply in the first half of the year, as the COVID-19 pandemic upended the global economy. However, rapid government responses helped temper the contraction, and WTO economists now believe that while trade volumes will register a steep decline in 2020, they are unlikely to (...)
It has never been more important to focus on the rights of migrant workers than during the COVID-19 pandemic, says Sharan Burrow, Secretary General of the International Trade Union Confederation.
On 19 June 2020, the Philippines notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it initiated three safeguard investigations: (i) on aluminum zinc sheets, coils and strips; (ii) on prepainted galvanized iron and prepainted aluminum zinc; and (iii) on galvanized iron sheets, coils and strips. It (...)
The multilateral trading system will continue to face challenges in limiting the harm to trade and the global economy resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff said on 17 June. Speaking at a Think20 virtual panel on Policy Recommendations for a Post-COVID 19 (...)
WTO members will resume working towards an agreement on fisheries subsidies disciplines next week as COVID-19 containment measures have gradually eased. The chair of the Negotiating Group on Rules, Ambassador Santiago Wills of Colombia, is convening the meeting to introduce a working document (...)
Speaking at the “Trade for Peace” webinar on 16 June jointly organized by the WTO and the Institute for Economics and Peace, Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff outlined the important role of the multilateral trading system as a pillar of postwar efforts to maintain global peace and stability. The (...)
On 16 June 2020, Turkey notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 11 June 2020 a safeguard investigation on polyethylene terephthalate chips.
The Republic of Moldova, on 16 June 2020, nominated Mr Tudor Ulianovschi for the post of WTO Director-General to succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who has announced he will step down on 31 August 2020.
On 16 June the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Qatar in “Saudi Arabia — Measures concerning the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights” (DS567).
Oscar-nominated actor, Yalitza Aparicio talks about how the COVID19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of domestic workers. These workers continue to lack access to social protection systems, emergency health measures and endure poor working conditions. During this crisis, they are risking (...)