At the 9–10 April meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods (CTG), World Trade Organization (WTO) members discussed over 30 trade concerns spanning a broad spectrum of measures and economic sectors. This included four new trade concerns brought to the WTO for the first time, highlighting growing unease around tariffs and trade restrictions. Delegates also held a forward-looking discussion on the CTG’s future work and elected Mr. Gustavo Nerio Lunazzi of Argentina as Chair for the coming year.
New Trade Concerns Spotlight Key Policy Shifts
Of the 35 specific trade concerns (STCs) reviewed during the meeting, four were raised for the first time:
- European Union – Proposal for a Regulation on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-gas)
- The United States and Japan questioned the development and implementation of the proposed EU regulation, citing potential trade implications.
- India – Measures Potentially Equivalent to Quantitative Restrictions
- Thailand raised concerns over delays in the issuance of standard marks and import licenses, particularly affecting products such as wood-based boards and viscosity fibers.
- Philippines – Proposed Export Restrictions on Raw Minerals
- A draft bill in the Philippine Senate drew concern from Japan and the United Kingdom, who warned of possible restrictions on exports of unprocessed minerals.
- United States – Reciprocal Tariffs and Related Measures
China criticized recently announced U.S. tariffs, stating they undermined the multilateral trading system and violated WTO rules. Twenty WTO members commented on the issue, with many voicing economic and legal concerns, and urging resolution through multilateral dialogue.
U.S. Clarifies Tariff Moves Under “Other Business”
In a separate statement, the United States provided clarification on tariff measures announced on 2 and 9 April. The U.S. stated that President Trump had declared a national emergency due to persistent and significant trade deficits, prompting the imposition of tariffs to protect essential national and economic security interests.
The U.S. emphasized that it was not withdrawing from its WTO tariff commitments, but acting under the “essential security” exception outlined in the WTO Agreement. In response, China expressed regret over the move, warning of increased global economic uncertainty and reiterating the importance of cooperative dispute resolution within the WTO framework. No other members offered remarks.
Broader Context: Persistent and Diverse Trade Disputes
The trade concerns discussed at the CTG reflect the evolving complexity of global trade. Ongoing disputes cover a wide range of non-tariff measures, environmental regulations, export controls, national security provisions, and certification requirements.
These concerns span multiple industries and products, from agriculture, semiconductors, and food products to more specific items such as critical minerals, electric vehicles, air conditioners, cosmetics, and tires. The breadth and volume of these concerns underscore the critical role of the CTG in facilitating dialogue and promoting transparency among WTO members.
