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 164 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)

Resources

Tracking Regulatory Changes by WTO Members

Data and Analysis

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Fact Sheet

Commodity Fact Sheets - U.S. Ag Trade Policy Advances

Since USDA first established a stand-alone mission area focusing on trade and international affairs in 2017, USDA’s Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs and the Foreign Agricultural Service, have made significant trade policy advances to support U.S. agriculture. This series of commodity fact sheets highlights the many recent trade policy advances achieved by USDA.
Attaché Report (GAIN)

China: Draft Food Labeling Supervision and Management Measures Notified to WTO

On July 11, 2024, China notified draft Food Labeling Supervision and Management Measures to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/TBT/N/CHN/1401/Add.2. China’s TBT Enquiry Point at tbt@customs.gov.cn will accept comments until September 9, 2024...
Attaché Report (GAIN)

China: Draft National Food Safety Standard Milk Protein Notified to WTO

On July 11, 2024, China notified draft National Food Safety Standard Milk Protein to the World Trade Organization (WTO) under G/SPS/N/CHN/1303. China’s SPS Enquiry Point at sps@customs.gov.cn will accept comments until September 9, 2024. This report...

News and Features

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News Release

Statement by Sec. Vilsack on India's Tariff Reductions on U.S. Products

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.
News Release

Statement by Secretary Vilsack Regarding India’s Reduction in Retaliatory Tariffs on Agricultural Products

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.