About the WTO
Preference utilization in the global economy
May 2022
Working Paper
This paper analyses the determinants of preference utilization using a novel WTO dataset that allows us to measure the underutilization of preferences across several importers exporters and products over time. Building on the previous literature we confirm that preference utilization is increasing with the size of exports preference margin and geographical and linguistic proximity. We find that utilization rates tend to be higher for reciprocal preferences compared to non-reciprocal preferences and that the incentive to use preferences increases with the share of competitors’ exports that is eligible for preferential treatment.
B2B E-commerce marketplaces and MSMES
Mar 2022
Working Paper
In theory e-commerce marketplaces connect buyers and sellers open trade opportunities and reduce transaction costs thereby creating opportunities for more inclusive trade and even GVC participation especially for micro small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Further there is some evidence that MSMEs are more likely to use e-commerce marketplaces than large firms given these websites reduce search frictions and transaction costs which can be relatively more beneficial for smaller firms.
COVID-19 vs. GFC
Mar 2022
Working Paper
This study describes trade margins (intensive and extensive) and establishes determinants of the mid-point export and import growth during the global financial crisis (GFC) and COVID-19 pandemic by relying on Kenya’s monthly customs transaction data (at 6-digit level of Harmonized System) for the period January 2006–June 2020. Exports fell during the two crises of which the intensive margin was responsible for the drop during GFC while the extensive margin dominated the COVID-19 era. Imports are mainly driven by the extensive margin which grew during GFC but declined during the pandemic.
The impact of LDC graduation on trade
Feb 2022
Working Paper
Several Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) will graduate from the LDC status in the coming decade implying that they will lose preferential access to export markets. We quantify the expected impact of LDC graduation on exports of graduating and non-graduating LDCs incorporating detailed preference utilization data in a partial equilibrium model. We compare the results under actual and full preference utilization rates. Separately we explore how underutilization of tariff preferences affects the exports of countries benefiting from such preferences.
Communication break down
Feb 2022
Working Paper
Although a growing number of regional trade agreements (RTAs) include telecommunications provisions the collection and systematization of information on telecommunications provisions in RTAs remain limited. This paper addresses this gap by mapping and reviewing the different types of provisions on telecommunications found in RTAs that have been notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Innovation and patenting activities of COVID-19 vaccines in WTO members
Feb 2022
Working Paper
This working paper provides a statistical analysis of 74 patent families which cover subject matter relevant to ten COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines have accounted for 99% of the global COVID-19 vaccine production as of 31 December 2021 comprising over ten billion doses.
États-Unis - Mesure de sauvegarde visant les importations de gros lave linge à usage domestique
Feb 2022
Dispute Reports
Le 8 février 2022 l’OMC a distribué le rapport du Groupe spécial chargé d’examiner l’affaire “États-Unis — Mesure de sauvegarde visant les importations de gros lave-linge à usage domestique” (DS546) introduite par la République de Corée.
United States - Safeguard measure on imports of large residential washers
Feb 2022
Dispute Reports
On 8 February 2022 the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by the Republic of Korea in “United States — Safeguard measure on imports of large residential washers” (DS546).
Estados Unidos - Medida de salvaguardia sobre las importaciones de lavadoras de gran capacidad para uso doméstico
Feb 2022
Dispute Reports
El 8 de febrero de 2022 la OMC distribuyó el informe del Grupo Especial que entendió en el asunto planteado por la República de Corea en la diferencia “Estados Unidos — Medida de salvaguardia sobre las importaciones de lavadoras de gran capacidad para uso doméstico” (DS546).
How do environmental policies affect green innovation and trade?
Jan 2022
Working Paper
This study investigates how environmental policies impact trade and innovation in environmental goods. We make two major contributions to the economic debate. First we extract a set of information from the WTO Environmental Database (EDB) through natural language processing techniques that could be useful for future research and policy analysis. Second we use this data to test a set of economic hypotheses on how environmental measures impact environmental innovation and trade.
India - Measures Concerning Sugar and Sugarcane
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
On 14 December 2021 the WTO circulated the panel reports in the cases brought by Brazil Australia and Guatemala in “ India — Measures Concerning Sugar and Sugarcane” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
India - Medidas relativas al azácar y la caña de azúcar
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
El 14 de diciembre de 2021la OMC distribuyó los informes de los Grupos Especiales en los asuntos planteados por el Brasil Australia y Guatemala “India — Medidas relativas al azúcar y la caña de azúcar” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
India - Medidas relativas al azácar y la caña de azúcar
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
El 14 de diciembre de 2021la OMC distribuyó los informes de los Grupos Especiales en los asuntos planteados por el Brasil Australia y Guatemala “India — Medidas relativas al azúcar y la caña de azúcar” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
Inde - Mesures concernant le sucre et la canne à sucre
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
Le 14 décembre 2021 l’OMC a distribué les rapports du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire portée devant l’Organe de règlement des différends par le Brésil l’Australie et le Guatemala “Inde — Mesures concernant le sucre et la canne à sucre” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
India - Measures Concerning Sugar and Sugarcane
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
On 14 December 2021 the WTO circulated the panel reports in the cases brought by Brazil Australia and Guatemala in “ India — Measures Concerning Sugar and Sugarcane” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
Inde - Mesures concernant le sucre et la canne à sucre
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
Le 14 décembre 2021 l’OMC a distribué les rapports du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire portée devant l’Organe de règlement des différends par le Brésil l’Australie et le Guatemala “Inde — Mesures concernant le sucre et la canne à sucre” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
India - Measures Concerning Sugar and Sugarcane
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
On 14 December 2021 the WTO circulated the panel reports in the cases brought by Brazil Australia and Guatemala in “ India — Measures Concerning Sugar and Sugarcane” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
India - Medidas relativas al azácar y la caña de azúcar
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
El 14 de diciembre de 2021la OMC distribuyó los informes de los Grupos Especiales en los asuntos planteados por el Brasil Australia y Guatemala “India — Medidas relativas al azúcar y la caña de azúcar” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
Inde - Mesures concernant le sucre et la canne à sucre
Dec 2021
Dispute Reports
Le 14 décembre 2021 l’OMC a distribué les rapports du Groupe spécial dans l’affaire portée devant l’Organe de règlement des différends par le Brésil l’Australie et le Guatemala “Inde — Mesures concernant le sucre et la canne à sucre” (DS579 DS580 DS581).
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