WTO

Trois questions importantes seront déterminantes pour l'avenir de l'OMC: le règlement des différends, les négociations et l'intégration régionale. Le règlement des différends est généralement considéré comme l'un des succès majeurs de l'OMC durant ses dix premières années d'existence. La conclusion des négociations du Cycle de Doha est l'un de ses principaux défis. L'intégration régionale est désormais au premier plan du débat alors que les accords régionaux prolifèrent et que les décideurs et les universitaires prennent la mesure de leur incidence sur le système commercial multilatéral. Ces questions, et leur interaction, sont traitées par d'éminents spécialistes et professionnels du droit commercial international originaires d'Amérique du Nord, d'Europe et de la région Asie Pacifique. En outre, des sections spécifiques sont consacrées à la région Asie Pacifique, à sa participation au règlement des différends et aux négociations dans le cadre de l'OMC, et aux tendances récentes à une plus grande intégration régionale.AE1:AE10

The WTO's Agreements are the legal foundation for the international trading system that is used by the bulk of the world's trading nations. This series offers a set of handy reference booklets on selected Agreements.

"The Repertory" covers all rulings of the Appellate Body, a seven-member body that hears appeals from WTO members regarding dispute panel findings.

This publication provides handy one-page summaries of the key findings of every dispute panel report issued up to the end of 2022 and the relevant Appellate Body reports issued over this period. Each one-page summary comprises the core facts, the key findings contained in the reports and any other matters of particular significance. Two indexes list the disputes by WTO agreement and by WTO member responding to the complaint.

Key outcomes from WTO Ministerial Conferences since the organization was established in 1995.

The supplement concerning the 13th Ministerial Conference for the publication “WTO Ministerial Conferences, key outcomes”

The 2012 WTO Public Forum posed the question: “Is multilateralism in crisis?”, providing an opportunity for participants from a variety of backgrounds to discuss this question across the three-day event. The themes of the Forum included formulating new approaches to multilateral trade opening in areas such as trade facilitation, addressing 21st-century issues and identifying areas in need of new regulations, and examining the role of non-state actors in strengthening the multilateral trading system. This publication contains summaries of all of the sessions held and reports on the results of the WTO Youth Ambassador Programme and Ideas Workshops.

The WTO is playing an important role in the achievement of the UN's Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and collaborates closely with the UN's Department for Economic and Social Affairs in monitoring progress in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since 2016, the WTO has submitted annual reports to the UN's High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on WTO efforts to achieve trade-specific targets in the SDGs. In its 2022 report, the WTO provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between trade and SDGs 4 (“quality education”), 5 (“gender equality”), 14 (“life below water”), 15 (“life on land”) and 17 (“partnerships for the Goals”), as well as the WTO’s role in contributing to the realisation of these five goals.

In brief, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only international organization dealing with the global rules of trade. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

This report, which was submitted to the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in 2023, highlights the role of trade in helping countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also underlines the WTO’s contribution to improving livelihoods and making trade work for people.

The report of the Joint Task Force on Climate Action, Carbon Pricing, and Policy Spillovers, with participation by the IMF, OECD, UNCTAD, World Bank, and WTO, makes four main contributions. First, it reflects on a common understanding of carbon pricing metrics which inform on the incentives to decarbonize and on cross-country variation in carbon prices, a key determinant of international spillover effects and competitiveness concerns. Second, the report analyzes the appropriate mixes of climate change mitigation policies, emphasizing the pivotal role of carbon pricing as the only policy implementing the polluter pays principle while generating revenues. Third, it analyzes how international organizations can support the coordination of policies to maximize positive and limit negative cross-border spillovers from climate change mitigation policies. Finally, it discusses how such coordination can help to scale up climate action by closing the transparency gap, the implementation gap, and the ambition gap.

World Tariff Profiles 2022 provides comprehensive information on the tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories. The publication starts with a breakdown of the tariffs imposed by these economies. Tariff data are presented in comparative tables and in one-page profiles for each economy. A summary table on selected indicators on the imports and exports profile for these economies is also presented. Statistics on non‑tariff measures by country and by product group complement the data on tariffs. Under the special topics part, there are two technical papers. The first one analyses the preferential rules of origin in international trade and the second one focuses on non-tariff measures on “green” and “brown” energy products. The publication is jointly prepared by the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

World Tariff Profiles 2024 provides comprehensive information on the tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories. The publication starts with a breakdown of the tariffs imposed by these economies. Tariff data are presented in comparative tables and in one-page profiles for each economy. A summary table on selected indicators on the imports and exports profile for these economies is also presented. Statistics on non tariff measures by economy and by product group complement the data on tariffs. This special topic deals with “Tariffs on critical minerals in the electric vehicle value chain”. The publication is jointly prepared by the World Trade Organization, the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The "World Trade Report" is an annual publication that aims to deepen understanding about trends in trade, trade policy issues and the multilateral trading system.

Climate change is having a profound impact on people’s lives across the world. Mitigating and adapting to climate change will require major economic investment and coordinated action to transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. The World Trade Report 2022 explores the complex interlinkages between climate change, international trade, and climate and trade policies. Although international trade generates greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate-related natural disasters, it can also play an essential role in helping countries reduce emissions by increasing the availability and affordability of environmental goods, services and technologies. International trade can also play a key role in helping countries adapt to the impacts of climate change and build future resilience. The World Trade Report 2022 shows how international trade and trade rules can contribute to addressing climate change. Ensuring trade and climate change policies are mutually supportive requires global coordination and transparency about government measures. The WTO already plays an important role in helping countries tackle climate change by maintaining a predictable trading environment underpinned by WTO rules that allow for international trade in critical goods and services needed to cope with the consequences of climate change and to reduce emissions. Further international cooperation at the WTO could strengthen the mutual supportiveness of trade and climate change policies so that the world is better equipped to transition to a low-carbon economy.

Over the past 30 years, the world has witnessed a period of unprecedented income convergence, as the wide gap in income levels between economies has narrowed. Economic growth has improved living conditions and prospects for many people around the world. However, not all individuals, regions and economies have benefited equally from the changes brought about by more open trade. The World Trade Report 2024 explores the complex interlinkages between trade and inclusiveness across and within economies. Openness to international trade can drive economic growth, but many low- and middle-income economies struggle to diversify or to integrate into world trade. Although trade supports numerous jobs and provides access to affordable goods and services, some individuals can face challenges in adapting to new economic conditions following trade openness. However, trade protectionism neither protects the overall economy, nor promotes inclusiveness within economies. Diversifying global value chains, reducing trade costs through digitalization, and transitioning to a low-carbon economy can create new opportunities for low- and middle-income economies. Addressing remaining barriers to trade and investment, facilitating the implementation of existing WTO agreements, and ensuring that the WTO is fit for new challenges are crucial to support inclusiveness across and within economies. Furthermore, trade policies need to be complemented by domestic measures, such as labour, education and competition policies, so that the gains from trade can flow to workers and consumers, and so that those individuals can move to benefit from those gains. WTO cooperation with other international organizations can magnify combined action on inclusiveness across and within economies.

The "World Trade Statistical Review" series provides a detailed analysis of the latest developments in world trade. It will be produced on an annual basis and replaces the series "International Trade Statistics", the WTO's former annual statistical publication.

“World Trade Statistical Review” looks into the latest trends in global trade, with in-depth analysis of what is being traded and who the key players are. Analytical chapters are complemented by over 65 tables providing a detailed breakdown of the goods and services being traded and the leading exporters/importers.

The Annual report of the WTO focuses on the regular activities of the organization, the details of its current structure, staff and budget. The Annual report is published in the first half of each year.

El Examen estadístico del comercio mundial ofrece un análisis detallado de la evolución reciente del comercio mundial. Este informe se elaborará con carácter anual y reemplaza la anterior publicación estadística anual de la OMC, Estadísticas del comercio internacional.

El Informe anual de la OMC se centra en las actividades ordinarias de la organización y los detalles de su estructura, personal y presupuesto actuales.

Los Informes de arbitraje determinan el período de tiempo razonable para que un miembro de la OMC cumpla con las recomendaciones y resoluciones del Órgano de Solución de Diferencias y el nivel de represalias que un miembro de la OMC puede asumir en situaciones en las que un miembro de la OMC no ha cumplido dentro del tiempo establecido.

Lamy calls for exit strategies on temporary trade restrictions and subsidies: Director-General Pascal Lamy, in his annual report on trade and trade-related developments in 2009, said that “although there have been instances of slippage, in general terms the world economy is about as open for trade today as it was before the crisis started.” He called on members “to devise and announce exit strategies to remove trade restrictions and production subsidies that they have introduced temporarily to counteract the effects of the crisis, and start implementing those strategies as soon as domestic economic recovery takes hold.”

Le rapport sur le commerce mondial 2003 est entièrement centré sur le développement. En expliquant la génèse du problème et en proposant un cadre d'analyse dans lequel traiter la question des rapports entre commerce et développement, il vise à aider chacun à débattre en toute connaissance de cause et à mieux évaluer les options qui s'offrent aux gouvernements pour faire face aux défis du moment.

G20 governments continue to resist protectionist pressures but risks remain: A joint report by the WTO, OECD and UNCTAD released on 4 November 2010 for the Group of 20 biggest economies, ahead of their meeting in Seoul on 11 November, says that by and large, G20 governments have continued to resist protectionist pressures. But it also warns of potential dangers in the months ahead because of persistent high levels of unemployment and tensions over foreign exchange rates.

The WTO Secretariat has prepared this booklet to assist public understanding of the SPS Agreement, it concerns the application of food safety and animal and plant health regulations. The first section of the booklet presents the basic structure of WTO agreements; the second looks at the key features of the SPS Agreement; the third addresses a number of frequently-asked questions; and the fourth is the legal text of the agreement.

Status of WTO Legal Instruments covers the legal instruments drawn up by WTO members in relation to the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization and the plurilateral trade agreements annexed to that Agreement. For each legal instrument, information is provided regarding signature, acceptance, ratification, accession and entry into force. The relevant final clauses of each instrument are also included. The cut-off point for information in this publication is end-April 2015.

This booklet is a quick source for national and trade statistics of WTO Members and countries which are in the process of negotiating WTO membership. These Trade Profiles combine information on trade flows and trade policy measures of Members, Observers and other selected economies. The information is retrieved from various WTO Divisions and external sources and presented in standardized format for quick reference. The indicators are divided into five categories: Basic economic indicators – population, GDP, current account balance, etc. Trade policy indicators – specific WTO relevant information, including tariff binding information, import duties collected in total tax revenue, the number of dispute rulings(complainant, defendant), notifications outstanding and contingency measures in force. Merchandise trade indicators (customs-based statistics) – information on total trade flows broken down by broad product categories and major origins and destinations. Commercial services indicators (balance of payments based statistics) – trends in total trade flows and a breakdown by major components. Industrial property indicators – annual number of patents granted and marks registered in the name of residents and non-residents in the economy.

Trade multilateralism in the twenty-first-century century faces a serious test as weakness in the global economy and fast-paced technological changes create a challenging environment for world trade. This book examines how an updated and robust, rules-based multilateral framework, anchored in the WTO, remains indispensable to maximizing the benefits of global economic integration and to reviving world trade. By examining recent accessions to the WTO, it reveals how the growing membership of the WTO has helped to support domestic reforms and to strengthen the rules-based framework of the WTO. It argues that the new realities of the twenty-first century require an upgrade to the architecture of the multilateral trading system. By erecting its 'upper floors' on the foundation of existing trade rules, the WTO can continue to adapt to a fast-changing environment and to maximize the benefits brought about by its ever-expanding membership.

World Tariff Profiles 2013 — a joint publication of the WTO, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) — provides comprehensive tariff information on all WTO members and a number of other countries where data is available. It is the only compilation of tariff information of its kind available to researchers and negotiators. The publication summarizes the market access that each country offers to imports as well as the market access conditions faced by its products in its major export markets. The profiles show both the maximum tariff rates that are legally “bound” in the WTO and the rates that countries actually apply. The technical annex in this year’s issue focuses on WTO members’ participation in regional trade agreements (RTAs), with complementary data provided on tariff elimination in RTAs notified under the WTO’s Transparency Mechanism.

This new publication replaces the WTO’s annual flagship publication, "International Trade Statistics". "Statistical Review of International Trade 2016" provides a detailed analysis of the latest developments in world trade, focusing on the most recent trends in goods and services trade and the participation of developing economies in world trade. The publication also looks ahead to future developments. The analytical chapters are complemented by a statistical appendix containing over 60 tables providing detailed data on trade by region and sector. The publication serves as an invaluable reference tool for researchers, policy makers and anyone interested in international trade.

El Informe anual de la OMC se centra en las actividades ordinarias de la organización y los detalles de su estructura, personal y presupuesto actuales.

The Director-General’s annual overview on trade-related developments presented to members on 11 December at a meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB) shows a significant increase in trade coverage of trade restrictive measures by WTO members from mid-October 2017 to mid-October 2018. While members continued to implement trade-facilitating measures, the trade coverage of the import-restrictive measures was more than seven times larger than that recorded in the previous annual overview. The report provides the first WTO-wide factual insight into the trade restrictive measures imposed in the context of current trade tensions and calls on WTO members to use all means at their disposal to de-escalate the situation.

Les mesures de réglementation visant le commerce des marchandises et des services sont la source de nouvelles difficultés très préoccupantes pour la coopération internationale au XXIe siècle. Le rapport sur le commerce mondial 2012 examine les raisons pour lesquelles les gouvernements ont recours à ces mesures non tarifaires et l'ampleur des distorsions des échanges internationaux qu'elles sont susceptibles de créer.

Trade-restrictive measures continue at historically high level: Trade flows hit by new restrictions implemented by WTO members continued at a historically high level between mid-October 2018 and mid-May 2019, according to the Director-General’s latest mid-year report on trade-related developments presented to members on 22 July. The report, which was reviewed at a meeting of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body, notes that the trade coverage of import-restrictive measures implemented during the review period is estimated at USD 339.5 billion, the second-highest figure on record after the USD 588.3 billion reported in the previous period. Together, these two periods represent a dramatic spike in the trade coverage of import-restrictive measures.

Trade Profiles 2015 provides one-page snapshots of the most relevant indicators on growth, trade and trade policy measures for over 200 economies, including all 161 WTO members. The data provided include basic economic indicators (such as gross domestic product), trade policy indicators (such as tariffs, import duties, the number of disputes, notifications outstanding and contingency measures in force), merchandise trade flows (broken down by broad product categories and major origins and destinations), services trade flows (with a breakdown by major components) and industrial property indicators.

Regulatory measures for trade in goods and services raise new and pressing challenges for international cooperation in the 21st century. The World Trade Report 2012 examines why governments use these non-tariff measures and to what extent such measures may distort international trade. Non-tariff measures (NTMs) can serve legitimate public policy goals, such as protecting the health of consumers, but they may also be used for protectionist purposes. The Report reveals how the expansion of global production chains, climate change and the growing importance of consumer concerns in richer countries affect the use of NTMs. It also reports that such measures represent the main source of concerns for exporters. The focus of the Report is on technical barriers to trade (TBT) regarding standards for manufactured goods, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures concerning food safety and animal/plant health, and domestic regulation in services. The Report looks at the availability of information on NTMs and the latest trends concerning usage. It discusses the impact that NTMs have on trade and examines how regulatory harmonization and/or mutual recognition of standards may help to reduce any trade-hindering effects. Finally, the Report looks at international cooperation on NTMs.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member's major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Oman.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member's major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Qatar.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member's major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of the USA.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member's major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Barbados.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member's major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Canada.

El Informe anual de la OMC 2008, centrado en las actividades de la Organización en 2007, trata con detalle su estructura, personal y presupuesto actuales.

International Trade Statistics 2008 offers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in world trade, covering the details of merchandise trade by product and trade in commercial services by category. Each chapter is introduced by a highlights section that identifies the most salient trends in the data and illustrates them with numerous charts and maps. There is also a methodological chapter that explains essential concepts and definitions used in compiling the statistics, and an appendix with detailed data on trade by region through 2007. This year’s edition expands the coverage of merchandise trade, including new tables on exports and imports of food and fuels by selected economies. With these additions, International Trade Statistics 2008 will continue to serve as an invaluable reference for researchers, policy makers, and anyone interested in international trade.

Los Perfiles arancelarios en el mundo 2016 ofrecen una información exhaustiva sobre las medidas arancelarias y no arancelarias impuestas por más de 195 países y territorios aduaneros. For each economy, the data is presented in a handy two-page format, providing a concise overview of global trade.

Le Rapport annuel de l'OMC 2008 traite des activités de l'Organisation en 2007 et donne des renseignements sur sa structure, son personnel et son budget actuels.

WTO reports levelling of new G20 trade restrictions, but stockpile grows: The WTO’s fourteenth trade monitoring report on G20 trade measures, issued on 2 November, shows the application of new trade-restrictive measures by G20 economies remained stable compared to the previous reporting period. Although the report shows relative restraint by G20 economies in introducing new trade restrictions, the stockpile of measures continues to grow. Because the uncertain global economic outlook continues to have a negative impact on international trade, the report calls on G20 leaders to deliver on their pledge to refrain from implementing new protectionist measures and to roll back existing trade-restrictive measures.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member’s major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Oman

Over 14,700 participants from developing countries benefited from WTO training courses and distance learning programmes in 2014. This training has been instrumental in helping government officials gain a greater understanding of the multilateral trading system and in helping developing countries tackle the challenges of being a WTO member, enforce their rights and meet their obligations.

“Trade Policy Reviews” analyse the trade policies and practices of each member of the WTO. The reviews consist of three parts: an independent report by the WTO Secretariat, a report by the government, and the concluding remarks by the Chair of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body. The opening section - “key trade facts” - provides a visual overview of the WTO member’s major exports/imports, main export destinations, origins for its imports and other key data. This edition looks into the trade practices of Chile.