Participants launch MC14 environmental sustainability package, chart new phase of action
On 19 March, ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, 79 WTO members participating in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) unveiled a package of outcome documents showcasing progress achieved over the past five...
Arbitrator to set level of trade suspension in Indonesia–EU palm oil biofuels dispute
A WTO arbitrator was tasked on 19 March with determining the level of trade suspension Indonesia may impose on the European Union in the palm oil biofuels dispute, following Indonesia’s request to suspend concessions worth US$ 2.8–5.6 billion annually. At the same...
Middle East conflict weighs further on slowing trade outlook
World trade is set to slow in 2026 following stronger than expected growth in 2025 on the back of surging trade in AI-enabling products. WTO economists warn that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could further reduce trade growth if energy prices remain...