WTO: Malaysia launches safeguard investigation on ceramic floor and wall tiles

Malaysia launches safeguard investigation on ceramic floor and wall tiles On 23 September 2020, Malaysia notified the WTO's Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 13 September 2020 a safeguard investigation on ceramic floor and wall tiles. Lees verder Thailand launches safeguard investigation on aluminium foil On 24 September 2020, Thailand notified the WTO's Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 18 September 2020 a safeguard investigation on aluminium foil. Lees verder WTO members intensify work on technical barriers to trade WTO members will intensify their work over the coming months on ensuring that standards and regulations do not act as unnecessary obstacles to trade. In their discussions in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, they will also work on developing guidance on how governments should test... Lees verder Structured discussions on investment facilitation for development move into negotiating mode Participants in the structured discussions on investment facilitation for development began on 25 September 2020 formal negotiations on a multilateral agreement on this issue, with a view to achieving a concrete outcome by the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) scheduled for next year. At the... Lees verder WTO workshops to review progress on cotton by-products initiative Five country-focused workshops will take place in the coming weeks to discuss the latest progress on a joint initiative undertaken by the WTO, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) to enhance the economic benefits of cotton... Lees verder Panel established to review China's compliance with farm subsidy ruling At a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body on 28 September, WTO members agreed to the establishment of a dispute panel at the request of China to determine whether China complied with an earlier WTO ruling regarding subsidies for wheat and rice producers. Lees verder DDG Wolff: The next step to reform the WTO must not be deferred Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff called for the creation of a "useful forum at the WTO to discuss specific structural changes in the organization and its rules". Speaking on 28 September at the opening plenary of Geneva Trade Week organized by the Graduate Institute of Geneva, DDG Wolff said that... Lees verder US appeals panel report regarding US duties on Canadian softwood lumber The United States notified the Dispute Settlement Body on 28 September 2020 of its decision to appeal the panel report in the case brought by Canada in "United States — Countervailing Measures on Softwood Lumber from Canada" (DS533). Lees verder DDG Wolff: Trade is the best option for ensuring supply of essential goods In remarks delivered to the 2020 Havencongres Rotterdam on 29 September, Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff said relying on international trade is the most efficient and economical choice for governments seeking to ensure access to essential supplies in a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed... Lees verder Estonia donates EUR 20,000 to help developing countries enhance trading capacities Estonia has contributed EUR 20,000 (CHF 21,000) in 2020 to enhance the trading capacities of developing countries and least-developed countries (LDCs). This donation to the WTO's DDA Global Trust Fund will finance training workshops for government officials to help them better understand and... Lees verder