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)