Archive for the ‘Trade Policy’ Category

News, Trade Policy

October 9, 2023

In a significant stride towards understanding the trade and development priorities of developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs), WTO members launched the Aid-for-Trade monitoring and evaluation exercise during a Committee on Trade and Development meeting on October 9th. This exercise aims to scrutinize how development finance, provided by partners, is addressing the unique needs of […]

News, Trade Policy

October 9, 2023

The International Trade Council applauds the recent strides made by the Informal Working Group on Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), as detailed during their meeting on October 9th, in preparation for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) slated for February 2024. Under the astute guidance of Coordinator Ambassador Matthew Wilson of Barbados, the group has […]

News, Trade Policy

October 4, 2023

GENEVA (International trade Council) – The WTO Chairs Programme officially issued a call for applications on October 4th to expand the network of academic institutions from developing and least-developed economies currently involved in the Programme. This initiative follows the announcement made by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, last year, indicating a more frequent […]

News, Trade Policy

October 3, 2023

In a recent address at the Vine and Wine World Trade Forum in Dijon, France, Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam shared insights into the shifting dynamics of global trade and its implications for businesses and international institutions. Paugam highlighted the significance of strengthening the multilateral trading system embodied in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to address […]

The United States and the United Kingdom have embarked on discussions concerning a prospective “foundational trade partnership.” This partnership encompasses various dimensions, including digital trade, labor protections, and agriculture, marking a significant stride in bolstering economic connections between the two nations.   Distinguishing itself from a comprehensive free trade agreement, this partnership does not assure […]

News, Trade Policy

October 2, 2023

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is currently facing significant challenges, with mounting unresolved disputes and increasing concerns among its member nations. This situation underscores the critical issues the organization is grappling with. Since late 2019, the WTO has been dealing with the repercussions of the United States’ decision to block the appointment of new judges […]

News, Trade Policy

September 27, 2023

Geneva, September 27, 2023 – The World Trade Organization (WTO) successfully concluded its sixth workshop on import licensing and notifications, marking the first in-person gathering of its kind since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event, which took place from September 25 to 27, saw the participation of twenty-eight government officials hailing from developing […]

India’s Trade Minister, Piyush Goyal, announced on Thursday that the country has requested Japan and South Korea to reconsider their existing free-trade agreements (FTAs) with India to ensure a more “balanced and equitable” trade relationship. The move comes in response to the widening trade gap between India and the two Asian nations. During an event […]

China, News, Trade Policy

November 15, 2022

The International Trade Council (ITC) commends the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, for raising concerns about trade “blockages” with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their recent face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.   The bilateral meeting between the leaders of Australia and China marks an important step […]

News, Trade Policy, United States

August 8, 2022

The International Trade Council (ITC) recognizes the recent approval of a $700bn (£577bn) economic package by the US Senate, encompassing major legislation on healthcare, tax, and climate change. This comprehensive bill seeks to decrease the cost of certain medications, elevate corporate taxes, and reduce carbon emissions. The passage of the bill, a cornerstone of President […]

China, News, Trade Policy

August 3, 2022

The International Trade Council is concerned about the recent trade restrictions imposed by China on Taiwan. In response to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, Chinese commerce and customs authorities announced on Wednesday that they would halt exports of sand, imports of Taiwanese citrus fruit, and some types of fish.   The Council recognizes China’s status […]

China, New Zealand, News, Trade Policy

April 7, 2022

The International Trade Council acknowledges the recent announcement by China’s Ministry of Finance to cut tariffs on wood and paper from New Zealand. The decision is expected to boost trade and investment between the two countries and foster economic growth. China will eliminate tariffs on 12 wood and paper products imported from New Zealand from […]

Washington, D.C. – The International Trade Council provides insight into the recent vote by the United States Congress to suspend Russia’s ‘most favoured nation’ trade status and ban imports of Russian oil. The Council urges all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure that international trade and economic stability are maintained. With the US […]

The International Trade Council (ITC) welcomes the decision by the United States and the European Union to temporarily suspend the tariffs on each other’s goods, which were imposed as retaliation over subsidies provided to Airbus and Boeing, respectively. The four-month suspension, which affects billions of dollars’ worth of goods, including wine, cheese, and tractors, comes […]

News, Trade Policy, United States

December 22, 2020

The International Trade Council is closely monitoring the recent move by the United States to blacklist more than 100 Chinese and Russian companies with alleged military ties. The US government has placed export restrictions on these companies and US exporters will be required to obtain a license before they transfer “designated items” to companies on […]