Fish News, 2024 Young Trade Leaders Report, and More
World Trade Organization
The WTO's goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.
A round-up of WTO news and events
11 - 17 July
LATEST NEWS
DG Okonjo-Iweala: “More than ever all eyes are on us”
“The world is looking to the WTO to respond to issues that impact lives, livelihoods and the future prospects of the businesses that drive trade,” Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a meeting of the Trade Negotiations Committee (TNC) on 15 July. Speaking in her capacity as Chair of the TNC, the Director-General said that with trade in the global spotlight a “genuine shift in negotiating mindset and political will” is needed to deliver results that address these concerns.
Merchandise trade posts strong growth in Q1 ahead of tariff hikes
The volume of world merchandise trade rose 3.6% quarter-on-quarter and 5.3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025 as imports surged in North America in anticipation of higher tariffs in the United States, latest WTO data show. Merchandise trade volume growth in the first quarter was stronger than the WTO’s most recent forecast, but WTO economists expect the pace of expansion to slow later in the year as fully stocked inventories and higher tariffs weigh on import demand.
DG thanks 2024 Young Trade Leaders, group issues report on youth attitudes to trade
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala thanked the 2024 cohort of WTO Young Trade Leaders for their outstanding contributions over the past year and said farewell to the group during an online meeting on 14 July. Following the meeting, the group issued a new report based on regional consultations with young people about their attitudes towards trade policy.
Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
On 14 July, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Zambia’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Zambia’s WTO Ambassador Eunice M. Tembo Luambia. Just six more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force.
Democratic Republic of the Congo formally accepts WTO Agreements on Fisheries Subsidies, Trade Facilitation
On 11 July, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from the Minister for International Trade, Julien Paluku Kahongya. Just seven more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force.
LATEST VIDEOS
Fisheries Subsidies: Democratic Republic of the Congo’s acceptance
Fisheries Subsidies: Zambia’s acceptance
FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
WTO agreements recognize that members have different needs & capacities. Special and differential treatment (S&D) ensures that developing economies & least-developed country members have the flexibility & support they need to fully engage in global trade. #TradeLingoTuesday
CALLS & REGISTRATIONS
Call for proposals: WTO Fish Fund
The WTO Fish Fund has extended the deadline for its call for proposals to 9 October, inviting developing and least-developed country (LDC) members that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. More: https://www.wtofishfund.org/
WTO Public Forum 2025
As digital trade evolves, so must the frameworks that guide it. Who gets a say in shaping the future? You do. Join the #WTOPublicForum, 17–18 September, to help build a more inclusive and sustainable global trading system for the digital age. Register now: https://bit.ly/43csR9X
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