The World Trade Organization has lost some of its clout. The Appellate Body at the WTO, a key part of the dispute settlement process at the trade organization, basically ceased to exist today. That could have a massive impact on smaller countries, like Canada, who rely upon the WTO to enforce the rules of global […] Read more
Tag Archives WTO
Is a WTO win worth the hassle?
On Sept. 9, Canada took the first step of challenging China’s ban on canola seed imports by sending a formal letter to the World Trade Organization. The request for consultations with China may evolve in to a full-fledged case at the WTO. After a few years, Canada might win the case and have the right […] Read more
WTO deal agrees to end ag export subsidies
The World Trade Organization’s 10th ministerial conference concluded Dec. 19 in Nairobi, Kenya, with an agreement to eliminate agricultural export subsidies. Developed countries will eliminate any remaining export subsidies beginning Jan. 1, except for a handful of dairy, pork and processed products. Developing countries have until the end of 2018, according to WTO documents. Director-general […] Read more
Deal ignores hungry, say protesters
Trade | Bali package accused of not supporting small farmers in developing countries
BALI, Indonesia — It was a last-ditch effort to let the world know that not everyone thought the World Trade Organization deal on a limited “Bali package” was worth applauding. Posters were distributed throughout the pressroom in the Bali convention centre Dec. 6 that featured a red line through the words “WTO” followed by an […] Read more
WTO reaches deal
BALI, Indonesia — With a hard-won breakthrough in negotiations last week during a World Trade Organization ministerial meeting, trade officials are now planning an aggressive push to resolve other unfinished trade business. WTO officials have been told to develop a “work plan” during the next year that will outline how to tackle the myriad issues […] Read more
WTO deal reached
BALI, Indonesia — In a dramatic last minute deal as night was turning to day Dec. 7, delegates to the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting reached a package of agreements with significant potential for agriculture. It calls for reform of tariff rate quota administration to increase trade, a change of rules to reduce non-tariff barriers […] Read more
Value of trade authority evident in COOL decision
A recent World Trade Organization ruling against American country-of-origin labelling should serve up a big ol’ helping of “I-told-you-so” justice for Canadian cattle and hog producers. It should also serve as a reminder of the importance of rules-based trade agreements. The WTO issued its final ruling June 29 on a decision that was originally released […] Read more
Rift between developing and developed countries seen as root of WTO stalemate
As his term as director general of the World Trade Organization winds down, Pascal Lamy has reflected on why a Doha Round deal was not clinched on his watch. And despite all the attention paid over the years to contentious agricultural issues that always are perceived to be at the core of negotiation breakdown, they […] Read more
Global co-operation in ‘precarious state’
WTO leader warning | World leaders should base strategies on new economic conditions, he says
The top international trade bureaucrat is warning that the world is in a dangerous period with international co-operation declining on the trade, environment and financial fronts. World Trade Organization director general Pascal Lamy said the WTO should rethink its mandate in the Doha Round of negotiations, which have stalled since 2008. Lamy, who will retire […] Read more
