WTO News

1. STDF launches Annual Report 2025, "Accelerating Safe Trade: From Innovation to Scale"

   Following World Food Safety Day on 7 June, the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) has launched its 2025 Annual Report, Accelerating Safe Trade: From Innovation to Scale. The report showcases how investments in strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) systems are improving food safety, facilitating trade and supporting sustainable development.

2. Goods trade holding up despite Middle East conflict and high energy prices

   Global merchandise trade appears to have remained resilient in the first half of 2026 despite headwinds from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which seem to have been partly offset by rising demand for electronic components related to investment in artificial intelligence, according to the latest WTO Goods Trade Barometer.

3. Experience-sharing on transparency in spotlight at import licensing committee meeting

   Public and private sector representatives joined the Committee on Import Licensing’s second experience-sharing session on 4 June, focusing on improving WTO members' transparency and notification compliance. Speakers from Cambodia, the European Union, Myanmar, Thailand and the United States shared practices on notifications, public-private cooperation, access to information and digitalization of licensing procedures. The Committee also reviewed recent notifications, addressed 12 specific trade concerns and heard an EU presentation on its Electronic System for Agricultural Non-Customs Formalities during its regular session.

4. WTO members advance discussions on key issues for unlocking services trade

   At a series of meetings held from 2 to 4 June, the WTO Council for Trade in Services and its subsidiary bodies discussed a broad range of issues for possible future work, ranging from the services aspects of electronic commerce to the green services economy. Members also agreed to hold a dedicated workshop to share information on the recognition of foreign professionals' qualifications. Discussions continued on ways to help least developed countries better participate in services trade, facilitate remittance transfers, and improve the classification of environmental services.

5. Members share experiences and perspectives during WTO Trade and Environment Week

   The seventh edition of WTO Trade and Environment Week is taking place from 1 to 5 June at WTO headquarters in Geneva and online. The event features 16 public sessions organized by WTO members, focusing on a wide range of issues at the intersection of trade and the environment. It began with a meeting of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) chaired by Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi of Nepal.