WTO News

1. Members advance transparency work in rules of origin, explore trade facilitation links

   At a meeting of the Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO) on 11-12 May, WTO members advanced work on transparency and notification practices, discussed the future direction of work on preferential rules of origin for least-developed countries (LDCs), and participated in an information session on the links between trade facilitation and rules of origin. The meeting was chaired by Ms Carol Tsang of Hong Kong, China.

2. Sweden contributes SEK 2 million to WTO capacity-building activities

   Sweden has given SEK 2 million (just under CHF 170,000) to the WTO's Global Trust Fund for 2026 to finance technical assistance and training programmes for government officials from developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). The contribution was confirmed at a signing ceremony on 8 May at the WTO attended by Ambassador Nina Tornberg of Sweden and the WTO's Director of the Finance and Corporate Services Division, Andrew Rizk.

3. General Council chair outlines next steps to build on momentum from MC14 negotiations

   At the first meeting of the General Council since the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), the newly elected Chairperson, Ambassador Clare Kelly (New Zealand), reported on her consultations with members on how to continue discussions in Geneva to build upon the high level of convergence on several areas of work at MC14 held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Members also took note of Türkiye's announcement that it was joining the growing convergence to extend the e-commerce moratorium, with many welcoming the additional progress in narrowing gaps in the discussions.

4. United States notifies import surcharges, ready for WTO consultations

   At a meeting of the Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions held on 5 May, WTO members discussed the United States’ new notification regarding the imposition of import surcharges to address the country’s serious balance-of-payments deficits. The United States said the surcharges took effect on 24 February 2026 and will expire on 24 July 2026, unless extended by an act of Congress. Members welcomed the transparency of the United States and its readiness to engage in consultations in line with WTO rules.

5. WTO members discuss action plan for cotton sector after MC14, World Cotton Day 2026

   WTO members reviewed global cotton market trends and the path ahead for the cotton sector at meetings in Geneva on 4 May. The meetings follow the high-level cotton event at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon in March. Delegations noted commitments announced at MC14 to invest in African countries moving up the cotton value chain and stressed the vital contribution of cotton to international trade and its potential to foster sustainable development.