World Trade Organization

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an independent international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, that sets and maintains the rules of global trade. Representatives from 159 member countries use the WTO framework to negotiate trade agreements, adjudicate trade disputes, and review national trade policies. By having a standard set of consistent and enforceable ground rules, international trade can prosper without facing barriers such as excessive tariffs, unfair regulations, and other obstacles. Countries participating in this freer global trade environment help expand the world economy and increase their own citizens’ level of prosperity.

FAS actively represents the interests of U.S. agriculture  in the WTO committees on Agriculture, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Issues, and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)

Data and Analysis

On October 25, 2023, China notified the National Food Safety Standard for Nutritionally Complete Foods for Cancer Patients to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1284. The proposed date of entry into force is to be determined...
On October 20, 2023, Jordan notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measure on poultry meat imports (G/SPS/N/JOR/44).
On July 28, 2023, the Government of Mexico (GOM) notified a revised NOM-187 to the World Trade Organization and opened a 60-day comment period. NOM-187 establishes the sanitary and commercial requirements for products made from nixtamalized corn and for the establishments that produce these products.

News and Features

India has agreed to reduce tariffs on its imports of U.S. turkey, duck, cranberries and blueberries, creating new market opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters in the world’s most populous nation.
Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a statement regarding the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s announcement that India will remove retaliatory tariffs on certain agriculture products, restoring and expanding significant market opportunities for U.S. farmers.
Stakeholder Notice

Vietnam Lowers Tariffs on Corn, Wheat, Pork

The government of Vietnam has published a decree revising its most-favored nation tariff rates for corn, wheat and frozen pork.

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