EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday pleaded for urgent reform of the World Trade Organization, saying it was high time for change at the global trade body.

Dombrovskis said he was ready to consider a major shake-up of the WTO's dispute settlement system.

He visited the WTO headquarters in Geneva for a meeting with the organisation's director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

He then set out the European Union's priorities for the future of the WTO, two months before the trade body's ministerial conference, which is to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3.

"The face of trade has changed considerably since the foundation of the WTO" in 1995, Dombrovskis said.

"Meanwhile, the rules that govern the organisation have not.

"In its current form and state, the WTO is caught between a rock and hard place. Its negotiating function is paralysed. Its dispute settlement system is frozen."

And he said there was an absence of common purpose among its 164 member states.

"The WTO is in urgent need of reform," said the EU commissioner.

Diplomats and experts alike agree that the global trade body -- which only takes decisions by consensus -- has been stuck in a rut for years and unable to conclude large-scale negotiations.

Former US president Donald Trump's administration neutered the organisation's legal arm by blocking the appointment of any new judges.

His successor Joe Biden has yet to put an end to the paralysis.

Dombrovskis called for reform of the WTO's investment facilitation and subsidy rules, including industrial and agricultural subsidies.

The former Latvian prime minister said trade must play its part in addressing the "big tests of our time -- from health issues to climate change to digital".

He said the EU was open to considering "major reforms" of the WTO's Appellate Body dispute settlement system, provided that they make it "more effective and legitimate".

Revitalising the Appellate Body is one of Okonjo-Iweala's top priorities.

She also hopes to present the forthcoming ministerial conference with an agreement on fisheries subsidies to show that the WTO can still conclude tricky negot

EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday pleaded for urgent reform of the World Trade Organization, saying it was high time for change at the global trade body.

EU Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis on Thursday pleaded for urgent reform of the World Trade Organization, saying it was high time for change at the global trade body. Dombrovskis said he was ready to consider a major shake-up of the WTO's dispute settlement system. He visited the WTO headquarters in Geneva for a meeting with the organisation's director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. He then set out the European Union's priorities for the future of the WTO, two months before the trade body's ministerial conference, which is to be held in Geneva from November 30 to December 3. "The face of trade has changed considerably since the foundation of the WTO" in 1995, Dombrovskis said. "Meanwhile, the rules that govern the organisation have not. "In its current form and state, the WTO is caught between a rock and hard place. Its negotiating function is paralysed. Its dispute settlement system is frozen." And he said there was an absence of common purpose among its 164 member states. "The WTO is in urgent need of reform," said the EU commissioner. Diplomats and experts alike agree that the global trade body -- which only takes decisions by consensus -- has been stuck in a rut for years and unable to conclude large-scale negotiations. Former US president Donald Trump's administration neutered the organisation's legal arm by blocking the appointment of any new judges. His successor Joe Biden has yet to put an end to the paralysis. Dombrovskis called for reform of the WTO's investment facilitation and subsidy rules, including industrial and agricultural subsidies. The former Latvian prime minister said trade must play its part in addressing the "big tests of our time -- from health issues to climate change to digital". He said the EU was open to considering "major reforms" of the WTO's Appellate Body dispute settlement system, provided that they make it "more effective and legitimate". Revitalising the Appellate Body is one of Okonjo-Iweala's top priorities. She also hopes to present the forthcoming ministerial conference with an agreement on fisheries subsidies to show that the WTO can still conclude tricky negot

EU calls for urgent reform of WTO

India has pitched for an early outcome of the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an official release said on Saturday.

Addressing a meeting, which was attended by trade and economic ministers of BRICS countries on Friday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also stressed on finding a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the public stockholding programmes for food security purposes.

He also asked for adoption of emerging new technologies in a swiftly changing world while finding solutions to the challenges of data protection and cyber security; and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The minister "emphasized, amongst other things, on the need for a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the Public Stock Holding programmes for food security purposes; early outcome of the TRIPS Waiver proposal for vaccines," the release said.

In October 2020, India and South Africa had submitted the first proposal, suggesting a waiver for all WTO (World Trade Organisation) members on the implementation of certain provisions of the

TRIPs Agreement in relation to the prevention, containment or treatment of COVID-19.

In May this year, a revised proposal was submitted by 62 co-sponsors, including India, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-trips-waiver-proposal-at-wto-gets-a-boost-secures-support-of-57-nations-366238">India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations</a>

The agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights or TRIPs came into effect in January 1995. It is a multilateral agreement on intellectual property (IP) rights such as copyright, industrial designs, patents and protection of undisclosed information or trade secrets.

Further the minister has said that the BRICS countries should work together for strengthening the multilateral system, stating that there is a need for a balanced and inclusive outcome in the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference.

The BRICS countries have endorsed the Framework for Cooperation in Trade in Professional Services with the objectives of enhancing domestic capacity and global competitiveness, promoting participation in intra-BRICS mobility of professionals and enhancing trade in professional services.

All BRICS members could for the first time reach a consensus for jointly working towards protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, it added.

"In this era of exponential jump in the use of e-commerce and online electronic transactions, the convergence to draw a common Action plan amongst BRICS countries will help to promote exploring practical options for ensuring consumer protection," it said.&nbsp;

India has pitched for an early outcome of the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an official release said on Saturday.

India has pitched for an early outcome of the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an official release said on Saturday. Addressing a meeting, which was attended by trade and economic ministers of BRICS countries on Friday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also stressed on finding a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the public stockholding programmes for food security purposes. He also asked for adoption of emerging new technologies in a swiftly changing world while finding solutions to the challenges of data protection and cyber security; and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. The minister "emphasized, amongst other things, on the need for a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the Public Stock Holding programmes for food security purposes; early outcome of the TRIPS Waiver proposal for vaccines," the release said. In October 2020, India and South Africa had submitted the first proposal, suggesting a waiver for all WTO (World Trade Organisation) members on the implementation of certain provisions of the TRIPs Agreement in relation to the prevention, containment or treatment of COVID-19. In May this year, a revised proposal was submitted by 62 co-sponsors, including India, South Africa, and Indonesia. Also read | India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations The agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights or TRIPs came into effect in January 1995. It is a multilateral agreement on intellectual property (IP) rights such as copyright, industrial designs, patents and protection of undisclosed information or trade secrets. Further the minister has said that the BRICS countries should work together for strengthening the multilateral system, stating that there is a need for a balanced and inclusive outcome in the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference. The BRICS countries have endorsed the Framework for Cooperation in Trade in Professional Services with the objectives of enhancing domestic capacity and global competitiveness, promoting participation in intra-BRICS mobility of professionals and enhancing trade in professional services. All BRICS members could for the first time reach a consensus for jointly working towards protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, it added. "In this era of exponential jump in the use of e-commerce and online electronic transactions, the convergence to draw a common Action plan amongst BRICS countries will help to promote exploring practical options for ensuring consumer protection," it said.

India for early outcome of TRIPS waiver for COVID vax, diagnotics

Australia is set to lodge a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports. Watch this report to know more.

Australia taking China to World Trade Organization over wine duties

Australia&nbsp;is lodging a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports, the government announced Saturday.

The decision "to defend&nbsp;Australia's winemakers" follows a separate Australian WTO action protesting Chinese tariffs on Australian barley and is in line with the government's "support for the rules-based trading system", it said in a statement.

But it added that "Australia&nbsp;remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve this issue".

The move is the latest incident in an escalating tussle between&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and its largest trading partner and follows warnings by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that his government will respond to countries trying to use "economic coercion" against it.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/massive-online-outages-in-recent-internet-history-392336">Also Read |&nbsp;Massive online outages in recent internet history</a>

The action also came just a week after a summit of the G7 grouping of advanced economies echoed&nbsp;Australia's call for a tougher stand against China's trade practices and its more assertive stance globally.

Beijing has imposed tough economic sanctions on a range of Australian products in recent months, including imposing tariffs or using disruptive practices across several agricultural sectors, coal, wine and tourism.

Many in Canberra believe the measures are punishment for pushing back against Beijing's operations to impose influence in&nbsp;Australia, rejecting Chinese investment in sensitive areas and publicly calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

The G7 summit ended on June 12 with the announcement of US-led plans to counter China's trillion-dollar "Belt and Road Initiative", the hallmark of its efforts to extend economic influence around the world.

The grouping promised hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries in a "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project.

The B3W was seen as aimed squarely at competing with China's efforts, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt.&nbsp;

Morrison attended the summit as part of a G7 plus formula that also brought in the leaders of South Korea, South Africa and India, and made clear he would push the other nations for joint action against China's aggressive trade policies.

"The most practical way to address economic coercion is the restoration of the global trading body's binding dispute-settlement system," he said in a speech just ahead of the summit.

"Where there are no consequences for coercive behaviour, there is little incentive for restraint," he said.

Morrison has received explicit backing in his government's confrontation with China from the US as well as from French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris following the G7 meeting.

Australia is lodging a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports, the government announced Saturday.

Australia is lodging a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization over China's imposition of anti-dumping duties on Australian wine exports, the government announced Saturday. The decision "to defend Australia's winemakers" follows a separate Australian WTO action protesting Chinese tariffs on Australian barley and is in line with the government's "support for the rules-based trading system", it said in a statement. But it added that "Australia remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve this issue". The move is the latest incident in an escalating tussle between Australia and its largest trading partner and follows warnings by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that his government will respond to countries trying to use "economic coercion" against it. Also Read | Massive online outages in recent internet history The action also came just a week after a summit of the G7 grouping of advanced economies echoed Australia's call for a tougher stand against China's trade practices and its more assertive stance globally. Beijing has imposed tough economic sanctions on a range of Australian products in recent months, including imposing tariffs or using disruptive practices across several agricultural sectors, coal, wine and tourism. Many in Canberra believe the measures are punishment for pushing back against Beijing's operations to impose influence in Australia, rejecting Chinese investment in sensitive areas and publicly calling for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The G7 summit ended on June 12 with the announcement of US-led plans to counter China's trillion-dollar "Belt and Road Initiative", the hallmark of its efforts to extend economic influence around the world. The grouping promised hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment for low- and middle-income countries in a "Build Back Better World" (B3W) project. The B3W was seen as aimed squarely at competing with China's efforts, which has been widely criticised for saddling small countries with unmanageable debt. Morrison attended the summit as part of a G7 plus formula that also brought in the leaders of South Korea, South Africa and India, and made clear he would push the other nations for joint action against China's aggressive trade policies. "The most practical way to address economic coercion is the restoration of the global trading body's binding dispute-settlement system," he said in a speech just ahead of the summit. "Where there are no consequences for coercive behaviour, there is little incentive for restraint," he said. Morrison has received explicit backing in his government's confrontation with China from the US as well as from French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris following the G7 meeting.

Australia taking China to WTO over wine duties

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday, she hoped that members could reach an agreement by July on improving access to COVID-19 vaccines after months of talks on waiving drug firms' intellectual property rights. 
 
"It's going to be tough because there are still differences but we hope we can get to a pragmatic approach," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a virtual UN&nbsp;forum. 
 
"I'm in a hurry and I want us to get some agreement by July because lives are important."

Recently, after months of debate, WTO members took a first, small step towards a deal aimed at boosting the production of Covid vaccines and treatments through patent waivers or compulsory licensing deals.

The World Trade Organization has struggled to move forward on the hotly debated issue, since all decisions at the global trade body must be reached by consensus of all 164 member states.

But during a meeting, countries finally backed launching a process towards drafting an agreement, and 'agreed on the urgency of this discussion', a Geneva-based trade official said.

Views on the matter meanwhile remain far apart, the trade official said, adding that an initial report on progress in the text-based discussions was expected around July 21-22.

Since October, the WTO has faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such intellectual property protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries of vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and other vital medical tools needed to battle Covid.

This, they have argued, could help address the dire inequity in access to vaccines especially.

That notion long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation.

The positions seemed to shift some last month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for Covid jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

But others have stuck to their guns.

Some countries, like Switzerland, prefer a scenario in which pharmaceutical companies enter into voluntary licensing deals, as AstraZeneca has done with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to make its Covid jabs.

And the European Commission last Friday presented a counter-proposal to the WTO calling for a multilateral pact aimed at boosting production of Covid-19 vaccines, not by suspending patents but through compulsory licensing deals and by urging countries to remove export restrictions.

That text, along with a revised proposal by India and South Africa that is backed by more than 60 countries, will form the basis for the negotiations.

Addressing Wednesday's debate, US Charge d'affaires David Bisbee stressed Washington's strong belief in IP protections.

"But we must do what is necessary to accelerate manufacturing and equitable distribution of vaccines," he said, insisting that "the WTO must show that it can step up in a global crisis and act efficiently to improve the lives of ordinary people."

"We must all come together to find a solution expeditiously, especially as the pandemic continues to spread with new variants."

Bisbee said Washington was still examining the revised proposal from India and South Africa, adding though that it appeared to mark a "relatively modest change".&nbsp;

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday, she hoped that members could reach an agreement by July on improving access to COVID-19 vaccines after months of talks on waiving drug firms' intellectual property rights.

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Monday, she hoped that members could reach an agreement by July on improving access to COVID-19 vaccines after months of talks on waiving drug firms' intellectual property rights. "It's going to be tough because there are still differences but we hope we can get to a pragmatic approach," Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a virtual UN forum. "I'm in a hurry and I want us to get some agreement by July because lives are important." Recently, after months of debate, WTO members took a first, small step towards a deal aimed at boosting the production of Covid vaccines and treatments through patent waivers or compulsory licensing deals. The World Trade Organization has struggled to move forward on the hotly debated issue, since all decisions at the global trade body must be reached by consensus of all 164 member states. But during a meeting, countries finally backed launching a process towards drafting an agreement, and 'agreed on the urgency of this discussion', a Geneva-based trade official said. Views on the matter meanwhile remain far apart, the trade official said, adding that an initial report on progress in the text-based discussions was expected around July 21-22. Since October, the WTO has faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such intellectual property protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries of vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and other vital medical tools needed to battle Covid. This, they have argued, could help address the dire inequity in access to vaccines especially. That notion long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions seemed to shift some last month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for Covid jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter. But others have stuck to their guns. Some countries, like Switzerland, prefer a scenario in which pharmaceutical companies enter into voluntary licensing deals, as AstraZeneca has done with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to make its Covid jabs. And the European Commission last Friday presented a counter-proposal to the WTO calling for a multilateral pact aimed at boosting production of Covid-19 vaccines, not by suspending patents but through compulsory licensing deals and by urging countries to remove export restrictions. That text, along with a revised proposal by India and South Africa that is backed by more than 60 countries, will form the basis for the negotiations. Addressing Wednesday's debate, US Charge d'affaires David Bisbee stressed Washington's strong belief in IP protections. "But we must do what is necessary to accelerate manufacturing and equitable distribution of vaccines," he said, insisting that "the WTO must show that it can step up in a global crisis and act efficiently to improve the lives of ordinary people." "We must all come together to find a solution expeditiously, especially as the pandemic continues to spread with new variants." Bisbee said Washington was still examining the revised proposal from India and South Africa, adding though that it appeared to mark a "relatively modest change".

WTO head hopes for deal by July on vaccine-sharing

After months of debate, WTO members on Wednesday took a first, small step towards a deal aimed at boosting the production of Covid vaccines and treatments through patent waivers or compulsory licensing deals.

After months of debate, WTO members on Wednesday took a first, small step towards a deal aimed at boosting the production of Covid vaccines and treatments through patent waivers or compulsory licensing deals. The World Trade Organization has struggled to move forward on the hotly debated issue, since all decisions at the global trade body must be reached by consensus of all 164 member states. But during a meeting on Wednesday, countries finally backed launching a process towards drafting an agreement, and "agreed on the urgency of this discussion", a Geneva-based trade official said. Views on the matter meanwhile remain far apart, the trade official said, adding that an initial report on progress in the text-based discussions was expected around July 21-22. Since October, the WTO has faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such intellectual property protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries of vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and other vital medical tools needed to battle Covid-19. This, they have argued, could help address the dire inequity in access to vaccines especially. That notion long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions seemed to shift some last month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for Covid jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter. But others have stuck to their guns. Also Read | We have no time to lose, conclude talks on patent waiver proposal by July-end: India to WTO members Some countries, like Switzerland, prefer a scenario in which pharmaceutical companies enter into voluntary licensing deals, as AstraZeneca has done with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to make its Covid-19 jabs. And the European Commission last Friday presented a counter-proposal to the WTO calling for a multilateral pact aimed at boosting production of Covid-19 vaccines, not by suspending patents but through compulsory licensing deals and by urging countries to remove export restrictions. That text, along with a revised proposal by India and South Africa that is backed by more than 60 countries, will form the basis for the negotiations. Addressing Wednesday's debate, US Charge d'affaires David Bisbee stressed Washington's strong belief in IP protections. "But we must do what is necessary to accelerate manufacturing and equitable distribution of vaccines," he said, insisting that "the WTO must show that it can step up in a global crisis and act efficiently to improve the lives of ordinary people." "We must all come together to find a solution expeditiously, especially as the pandemic continues to spread with new variants." Bisbee said Washington was still examining the revised proposal from India and South Africa, adding though that it appeared to mark a "relatively modest change".

WTO moves forward in Covid vaccine patent waiver talks to boost production

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> than the intellectual property (IP) rights&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;backed by the United States.

India, South Africa and dozens of developing countries are demanding the&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;to address what they say is a "staggering inequity" in access to vaccines and other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> treatments.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-foreign-ministers-back-india-south-africa-vaccine-waiver-proposal-388839">BRICS foreign ministers back India-South Africa vaccine waiver proposal</a>

A surprise US&nbsp;shift in May to support a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;heaped pressure on remaining opponents, such as the European Union and Switzerland that are home to many drugmakers.

The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said on Friday it had submitted an alternative, focused on limits on export restrictions and making use of flexibility in existing WTO rules.

The World Trade Organization will next be able to discuss the plan at meetings planned next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-will-not-be-enough-to-bridge-supply-gap-wto-386296">COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO</a>

The EU contends that a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;would not boost production and presented a three-part plan.

First, it says export restrictions should be kept to a minimum.

Second, the EU would encourage vaccine developers to enter deals with producers in developing countries and pledge increased supplies to vulnerable nations, as some have done.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-makers-oppose-ip-waiver-say-manufacturing-hurdles-slowing-rollout-379755">Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout</a>

Third, the EU plan highlights existing WTO rules allowing countries to grant licences to manufacturers even without the consent of the patent-holder, although they would still receive compensation.

A Commission official said the proposal aimed to remove ambiguity, clarifying that the pandemic meant "compulsory licences" could be granted without having to negotiate with patent-holders first. Compensation could be kept to a minimum to ensure affordable prices.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-waiver-talks-a-chance-for-wto-to-show-its-relevance-us-trade-chief-tai-385138">Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai</a>

Medical humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the EU proposal was pushing only voluntary action by companies rather than the concrete legal solution a&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;would offer.

It added the existing "compulsory licensing" had critical shortcomings and that the EU plan was limited to vaccines.

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of COVID-19 vaccines than the intellectual property (IP) rights waiver backed by the United States.

The European Union on Friday submitted a plan to the World Trade Organization that it believes will more effectively broaden the supply of COVID-19 vaccines than the intellectual property (IP) rights waiver backed by the United States. India, South Africa and dozens of developing countries are demanding the waiver to address what they say is a "staggering inequity" in access to vaccines and other COVID-19 treatments. Also Read | BRICS foreign ministers back India-South Africa vaccine waiver proposal A surprise US shift in May to support a waiver heaped pressure on remaining opponents, such as the European Union and Switzerland that are home to many drugmakers. The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said on Friday it had submitted an alternative, focused on limits on export restrictions and making use of flexibility in existing WTO rules. The World Trade Organization will next be able to discuss the plan at meetings planned next Tuesday and Wednesday. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO The EU contends that a waiver would not boost production and presented a three-part plan. First, it says export restrictions should be kept to a minimum. Second, the EU would encourage vaccine developers to enter deals with producers in developing countries and pledge increased supplies to vulnerable nations, as some have done. Also Read | Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout Third, the EU plan highlights existing WTO rules allowing countries to grant licences to manufacturers even without the consent of the patent-holder, although they would still receive compensation. A Commission official said the proposal aimed to remove ambiguity, clarifying that the pandemic meant "compulsory licences" could be granted without having to negotiate with patent-holders first. Compensation could be kept to a minimum to ensure affordable prices. Also Read | Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai Medical humanitarian group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said the EU proposal was pushing only voluntary action by companies rather than the concrete legal solution a waiver would offer. It added the existing "compulsory licensing" had critical shortcomings and that the EU plan was limited to vaccines.

Resisting patent waiver, EU submits vaccine plan to WTO

Dozens of countries have revised a proposal at the WTO for patent waivers for medical tools needed to combat Covid, insisting it must be broader than just vaccines, non-governmental organisations said Saturday.

More than 60 countries have presented a revision of their text before the World Trade Organization on ditching intellectual property protections for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> jabs and other medical tools while the pandemic rages, according to the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) charity and NGO Knowledge Ecology International (KEI).

KEI published what it said was the revised text, which pushed for the waiver to be broad and long-lasting.

The WTO did not immediately verify the authenticity of the document, but a Western diplomat close to the waiver discussions confirmed it was genuine and had been distributed to all WTO members.

That text said the waiver should cover all medical "prevention, treatment and containment" tools needed to battle Covid.

In addition to vaccines, it should include treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them, it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-patent-waiver-will-not-be-enough-to-bridge-supply-gap-wto-386296">COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO</a>

It also said the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which, the WTO's General Council should determine whether it could be lifted or should be prolonged.

'Frightening increase'

"We are pleased to see the governments sponsoring the COVID-19 intellectual property waiver proposal reaffirm that the waiver aims to remove monopoly barriers for all medical tools ... needed to tackle this pandemic," MSF South Asia chief Leena Manghaney said in a statement.

"With a frightening increase in infections and deaths in developing countries, and with potentially promising treatments in the pipeline, it is crucial that governments have every flexibility at their disposal to beat back this pandemic," she said.

The WTO has since October faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such IP protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-big-pharma-is-trying-to-block-vaccine-patent-waivers-385902">How big pharma is trying to block vaccine patent waivers</a>

That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation.

The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for the jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

The European Parliament voted narrowly this week to urge Brussels to get behind the proposal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eu-parliament-extends-support-to-india-south-africas-covid-vaccine-patent-waiver-386638">EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver</a>

Observers have however said the ambitions for the waiver appear to differ significantly among the longtime supporters and those now coming around to the idea, who have seemed to focus more narrowly on vaccines.

It remains unclear if countries will be able to see eye to eye, but with the pandemic that has killed over 3.4 million people still far from over, there is intense pressure on them to do so.

With the new revision on the table, MSF called for "governments to immediately move towards text-based negotiations," insisting there was no time to lose.

In light of the WTO's usual glacial pace in decision-making, with agreements requiring consensus backing by all 164 member states, a deal could meanwhile take time.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-backs-talks-on-intellectual-property-waiver-for-covid-19-vaccines-384946/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to MSF, more than 100 countries overall now support the proposal, including China and Russia.

A full 62 countries are now official co-sponsors of the proposal, with Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu and Namibia having joined in recent weeks.

Dozens of countries have revised a proposal at the WTO for patent waivers for medical tools needed to combat Covid, insisting it must be broader than just vaccines, non-governmental organisations said Saturday.

Dozens of countries have revised a proposal at the WTO for patent waivers for medical tools needed to combat Covid, insisting it must be broader than just vaccines, non-governmental organisations said Saturday. More than 60 countries have presented a revision of their text before the World Trade Organization on ditching intellectual property protections for COVID-19 jabs and other medical tools while the pandemic rages, according to the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) charity and NGO Knowledge Ecology International (KEI). KEI published what it said was the revised text, which pushed for the waiver to be broad and long-lasting. The WTO did not immediately verify the authenticity of the document, but a Western diplomat close to the waiver discussions confirmed it was genuine and had been distributed to all WTO members. That text said the waiver should cover all medical "prevention, treatment and containment" tools needed to battle Covid. In addition to vaccines, it should include treatments, diagnostics, vaccines, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them, it said. Also Read | COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver will not be enough to bridge supply gap: WTO It also said the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which, the WTO's General Council should determine whether it could be lifted or should be prolonged. 'Frightening increase' "We are pleased to see the governments sponsoring the COVID-19 intellectual property waiver proposal reaffirm that the waiver aims to remove monopoly barriers for all medical tools ... needed to tackle this pandemic," MSF South Asia chief Leena Manghaney said in a statement. "With a frightening increase in infections and deaths in developing countries, and with potentially promising treatments in the pipeline, it is crucial that governments have every flexibility at their disposal to beat back this pandemic," she said. The WTO has since October faced calls led by India and South Africa for the temporary removal of such IP protections, in what proponents argue will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access. Also Read | How big pharma is trying to block vaccine patent waivers That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for the jabs, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter. The European Parliament voted narrowly this week to urge Brussels to get behind the proposal. Also Read | EU Parliament extends support to India, South Africa's Covid vaccine patent waiver Observers have however said the ambitions for the waiver appear to differ significantly among the longtime supporters and those now coming around to the idea, who have seemed to focus more narrowly on vaccines. It remains unclear if countries will be able to see eye to eye, but with the pandemic that has killed over 3.4 million people still far from over, there is intense pressure on them to do so. With the new revision on the table, MSF called for "governments to immediately move towards text-based negotiations," insisting there was no time to lose. In light of the WTO's usual glacial pace in decision-making, with agreements requiring consensus backing by all 164 member states, a deal could meanwhile take time. According to MSF, more than 100 countries overall now support the proposal, including China and Russia. A full 62 countries are now official co-sponsors of the proposal, with Indonesia, Fiji, Vanuatu and Namibia having joined in recent weeks.

Countries urge broader patent waivers than just Covid vaccines

US&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Representative Katherine&nbsp;Tai&nbsp;said on Thursday that World&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Organization negotiations over intellectual property&nbsp;waivers for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines are a&nbsp;chance&nbsp;for the deeply divided&nbsp;trade&nbsp;body to make&nbsp;itself relevant to the world's needs.

Tai, speaking to the House Ways and Means Committee, said she was committed to entering negotiations that take into account concerns from all sides, including drug companies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-makers-oppose-ip-waiver-say-manufacturing-hurdles-slowing-rollout-379755">Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout</a>

"The&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;has not got a record of moving quickly, or getting to yes, across 164 members who must all agree, very often,"&nbsp;Tai&nbsp;said. "This is the opportunity for the&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;to&nbsp;show&nbsp;its&nbsp;relevance&nbsp;for mankind."

For the second day in a row,&nbsp;Tai&nbsp;heard criticism from Republican lawmakers that the intellectual property rights&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;will give critical biopharmaceutical technology to China, Russia and other strategic rivals while failing to increase&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;supplies.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-warns-of-vaccine-apartheid-if-rich-countries-hog-shots-384074">South Africa warns of 'vaccine apartheid' if rich countries hog shots</a>

Republican Representative Devin Nunes told&nbsp;Tai&nbsp;that he is concerned China is one of the few countries that could quickly manufacture messenger RNA&nbsp;vaccines, a technology partly developed with&nbsp;US&nbsp;tax dollars.

"It really seems like they (China) want to steal this very new technology, especially as it relates to the Moderna and Pfizer&nbsp;vaccines."

Tai&nbsp;said the administration was working to exercise leadership on the issue to try to reach a solution that saves lives and puts&nbsp;the world back on a faster growth track, which will benefit the United States.

India and South Africa, the proponents of the original, much broader proposal are expressing "that they feel extremely vulnerable in not having access to&nbsp;vaccines and not being able to make them either,"&nbsp;Tai&nbsp;said.

On Wednesday,&nbsp;Tai&nbsp;told a Senate hearing that companies making&nbsp;vaccines could be "a hero" by helping the world gain increased access to COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines.

She declined to discuss&nbsp;details of her consultations with drug companies before announcing the decision to join&nbsp;WTO&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;negotiations last week but said that some are driven by more than their obligations to shareholders.

"Some of them do see themselves as important actors in the public health ecosystem in the world."

Tai&nbsp;said that the intellectual property&nbsp;waiver&nbsp;was just one of a number of actions that would be required to increase manufacturing and equitable distribution of&nbsp;vaccines around the world.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on Thursday that World Trade Organization negotiations over intellectual property waivers for COVID-19 vaccines are a chance for the deeply divided trade body to make itself relevant to the world's needs.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said on Thursday that World Trade Organization negotiations over intellectual property waivers for COVID-19 vaccines are a chance for the deeply divided trade body to make itself relevant to the world's needs. Tai, speaking to the House Ways and Means Committee, said she was committed to entering negotiations that take into account concerns from all sides, including drug companies. Also read | Vaccine makers oppose IP waiver, say manufacturing hurdles slowing rollout "The WTO has not got a record of moving quickly, or getting to yes, across 164 members who must all agree, very often," Tai said. "This is the opportunity for the WTO to show its relevance for mankind." For the second day in a row, Tai heard criticism from Republican lawmakers that the intellectual property rights waiver will give critical biopharmaceutical technology to China, Russia and other strategic rivals while failing to increase vaccine supplies. Also read | South Africa warns of 'vaccine apartheid' if rich countries hog shots Republican Representative Devin Nunes told Tai that he is concerned China is one of the few countries that could quickly manufacture messenger RNA vaccines, a technology partly developed with US tax dollars. "It really seems like they (China) want to steal this very new technology, especially as it relates to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines." Tai said the administration was working to exercise leadership on the issue to try to reach a solution that saves lives and puts the world back on a faster growth track, which will benefit the United States. India and South Africa, the proponents of the original, much broader proposal are expressing "that they feel extremely vulnerable in not having access to vaccines and not being able to make them either," Tai said. On Wednesday, Tai told a Senate hearing that companies making vaccines could be "a hero" by helping the world gain increased access to COVID-19 vaccines. She declined to discuss details of her consultations with drug companies before announcing the decision to join WTO waiver negotiations last week but said that some are driven by more than their obligations to shareholders. "Some of them do see themselves as important actors in the public health ecosystem in the world." Tai said that the intellectual property waiver was just one of a number of actions that would be required to increase manufacturing and equitable distribution of vaccines around the world.

Vaccine waiver talks a chance for WTO to show its relevance: US trade chief Tai

The new US position in support of lifting&nbsp;patents&nbsp;on&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;has&nbsp;taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them.

After&nbsp;having recently taken heat for blocking such exports, Commerce Secretary Katherine Tai said Wednesday that the US government would "work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those&nbsp;vaccines".

The assertion was hidden at the bottom of the statement unveiling Washington's remarkable reversal of its position&nbsp;on&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents, which coincides with a shortage of doses in emerging and developing nations as cases surge in some countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a>

Long legal and economic policy debates likely lie ahead about waiving&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents, particularly at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Meanwhile, the difficulties faced by some laboratories in obtaining components to manufacture&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;look set to stymie the drive to ramp up production.

Two labs have recently spoken out about their difficulties, laying the blame at Washington's door.

Germany's Curevac said it could&nbsp;not secure supplies of certain materials from the United States.

Several days earlier, India's Serum Institute, the world's largest&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturer, called&nbsp;on&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to step in.

"Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus,&nbsp;on&nbsp;behalf of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;production can ramp up," the company's president Adar Poonawalla wrote&nbsp;on&nbsp;Twitter.

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Respected <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details. 🙏🙏
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1382978713302683653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There is no actual embargo&nbsp;on&nbsp;exporting&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;components. Instead, Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, invoked the Defense Production Act,&nbsp;which normally concerns wartime,&nbsp;to confront the pandemic.

While it does not explicitly ban exports, it puts the US government first in line to buy certain products made in the country.

US officials have previously played down the possible effect of the law&nbsp;on&nbsp;global&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;production.

"There's just more global manufacturing happening everywhere in the world than suppliers can currently support,"&nbsp;a US official told a White House briefing late last month&nbsp;on&nbsp;condition of anonymity.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-opposes-us-backed-global-waiver-on-protection-for-covid-19-vaccines-383353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dry ice and sorbitol

Over the past two months, a number of public and private actors have noted the shrinking supply of components needed to manufacture&nbsp;vaccines.

At least 50 components, perhaps as many as 100, go into the jabs.

They include items like the glass vials to ship them, as well as certain types of plastics needed for containers used in the manufacturing process.

Then there are the ingredients themselves.&nbsp;

Curevac is particularly concerned about nucleotides, a building block for the messenger RNA&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;like the one it is developing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-rift-on-covid-vaccine-waiver-endangers-fight-against-deadly-virus-383349">US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus</a>

The shortage of raw materials is hardly surprising as the pharmaceutical industry expects to double production to 10 billion doses this year.

Richard Hatchett, who heads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which along with the World Health Organization and Gavi co-runs the Covax&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;distribution initiative, spoke already in March of seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains".

Companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturing," he said.

He was speaking at a meeting of the principal actors in the sector, including WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA).

Already the consensus was that the free circulation of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;components was critical, given that a large number of countries are involved in their production.

OECD data from 2018 show how thoroughly&nbsp;component&nbsp;production is intertwined across the globe.

China dominates production of the glass storage vials, while the United States leads in the manufacturing of syringes.

France is a major producer of certain stabilisers like sorbitol, while Germany is big in the production of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;preservatives, and Mexico and China both are important manufacturers of additives that enhance the effects of&nbsp;vaccines.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a leader in the production of dry ice used to transport&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;that need to be kept at ultra-low temperatures.

The new US position in support of lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines has taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them.

The new US position in support of lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines has taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them. After having recently taken heat for blocking such exports, Commerce Secretary Katherine Tai said Wednesday that the US government would "work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those vaccines". The assertion was hidden at the bottom of the statement unveiling Washington's remarkable reversal of its position on Covid-19 vaccine patents, which coincides with a shortage of doses in emerging and developing nations as cases surge in some countries. Also read | US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents Long legal and economic policy debates likely lie ahead about waiving vaccine patents, particularly at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Meanwhile, the difficulties faced by some laboratories in obtaining components to manufacture vaccines look set to stymie the drive to ramp up production. Two labs have recently spoken out about their difficulties, laying the blame at Washington's door. Germany's Curevac said it could not secure supplies of certain materials from the United States. Several days earlier, India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, called on US President Joe Biden to step in. "Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that vaccine production can ramp up," the company's president Adar Poonawalla wrote on Twitter. Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details. 🙏🙏 — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) April 16, 2021 × There is no actual embargo on exporting vaccine components. Instead, Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, invoked the Defense Production Act, which normally concerns wartime, to confront the pandemic. While it does not explicitly ban exports, it puts the US government first in line to buy certain products made in the country. US officials have previously played down the possible effect of the law on global vaccine production. "There's just more global manufacturing happening everywhere in the world than suppliers can currently support," a US official told a White House briefing late last month on condition of anonymity. Dry ice and sorbitol Over the past two months, a number of public and private actors have noted the shrinking supply of components needed to manufacture vaccines. At least 50 components, perhaps as many as 100, go into the jabs. They include items like the glass vials to ship them, as well as certain types of plastics needed for containers used in the manufacturing process. Then there are the ingredients themselves. Curevac is particularly concerned about nucleotides, a building block for the messenger RNA vaccines like the one it is developing. Also read | US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus The shortage of raw materials is hardly surprising as the pharmaceutical industry expects to double production to 10 billion doses this year. Richard Hatchett, who heads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which along with the World Health Organization and Gavi co-runs the Covax vaccine distribution initiative, spoke already in March of seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains". Companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for vaccine manufacturing," he said. He was speaking at a meeting of the principal actors in the sector, including WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). Already the consensus was that the free circulation of vaccine components was critical, given that a large number of countries are involved in their production. OECD data from 2018 show how thoroughly component production is intertwined across the globe. China dominates production of the glass storage vials, while the United States leads in the manufacturing of syringes. France is a major producer of certain stabilisers like sorbitol, while Germany is big in the production of vaccine preservatives, and Mexico and China both are important manufacturers of additives that enhance the effects of vaccines. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a leader in the production of dry ice used to transport vaccines that need to be kept at ultra-low temperatures.

After shift on vaccine patents, US backs freer flow of components

President Joe Biden's administration has announced that the United States will support an initiative at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to waive Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) protection for COVID-19 vaccines.

US supports global waiver of intellectual property protection for COVID-19 vaccines

India and South Africa will present a fresh draft for waiving vaccine patents at the W.T.O. Will the West take this chance at redemption or will they keep bowing to pressure from Big Pharma?

Gravitas: W.T.O to consider vaccine patent waiver again

Australia has threatened to take an action against China over its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on wine imports for up to five years.

"We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organisation," Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said on Saturday.

In the latest salvo between Beijing and Canberra, China's commerce ministry announced levies ranging from 116.2 per cent to 218.4 per cent would be slapped on Australian wine imports from Sunday.

Tehan, to this end, said the tariffs meant it was "basically impossible" for their wine to be competitive in the Chinese market.

"This decision which has been taken by the Chinese government is extremely disappointing and completely unjustifiable," Tehan told reporters in Melbourne.

On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry said it was imposing the duties after an investigation found "dumping and subsidies on imported wines" from Australia impacted the Chinese market.

Wine exports to China hit a record A$1.3 billion (US$900 million) in 2019, according to Australian government data, making it the biggest market by value for the product.

Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of economic sanctions or disruptions to Australian products to China's vast market.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation". He added Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several people in the UK and EU over their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.

Australia has threatened to take an action against China over its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on wine imports for up to five years. "We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organisation," Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said on Saturday.

Australia has threatened to take an action against China over its "unjustifiable" decision to hike duties on wine imports for up to five years. "We will be looking at next steps, and those next steps will include looking at taking this matter to the World Trade Organisation," Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan said on Saturday. In the latest salvo between Beijing and Canberra, China's commerce ministry announced levies ranging from 116.2 per cent to 218.4 per cent would be slapped on Australian wine imports from Sunday. Tehan, to this end, said the tariffs meant it was "basically impossible" for their wine to be competitive in the Chinese market. "This decision which has been taken by the Chinese government is extremely disappointing and completely unjustifiable," Tehan told reporters in Melbourne. On Friday, the Chinese commerce ministry said it was imposing the duties after an investigation found "dumping and subsidies on imported wines" from Australia impacted the Chinese market. Wine exports to China hit a record A$1.3 billion (US$900 million) in 2019, according to Australian government data, making it the biggest market by value for the product. Late last year, Australia also called for the WTO to investigate Chinese tariffs on barley imports, following a series of economic sanctions or disruptions to Australian products to China's vast market. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached their lowest since the deadly 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, speaking in Sydney, accused Beijing of using the tariffs as "retaliation". He added Australia stood with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after China imposed sanctions on several people in the UK and EU over their vocal support for the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, where Beijing is accused of abuses.

Australia threatens WTO action as China hikes duty on wine

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday.&nbsp;

Speaking at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry - 'India 2021 and India Medical Devices 2021' via video conferencing, the Union Minister invoked to make next decade, the decade of India.&nbsp;

He further said that India along with South Africa is at the forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during Covid-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. "We now have 57 WTO members supporting us," he said.&nbsp;

Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world and support the TRIPS waiver that India proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster.&nbsp;

The minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp;

"India has seen golden period for healthcare in last few years. Can we make next decade, the decade of India, where we decide that between 2021 and 2030, entire world should be following Indian standards?," said the Union Minister.&nbsp;

Talking over the achievements of the Indian pharma industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and the speed with which they produced the vaccines, he stated that "The pharmaceutical industry is the class example of the glass half full. You have done wonderful work. The nation and world will always be indebted to the Indian Pharma Industry, often called the 'Pharmacy of the World'. But I could even call it 'Health Capital of World'."&nbsp;

"And more so, the contribution that Indian Pharma companies provided to the world. Also, because I can see, that very soon given collective efforts of the industry, all the stakeholders, the minister and his ministry and the entire Government of India support and the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put a very very bright future for your industry," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been lauded by the global leaders as India continues to lead in assisting countries with vaccines.&nbsp;

"Can we take it upon ourselves that this is going to be defining decade both for the pharma industry and the country as move forward to truly achieve the rightful place of India in the comity of nations?" asked Goyal.&nbsp;

More than 25 nations across the world have already received Made-in-India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, he announced.&nbsp;

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday.

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday. Speaking at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry - 'India 2021 and India Medical Devices 2021' via video conferencing, the Union Minister invoked to make next decade, the decade of India. He further said that India along with South Africa is at the forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during Covid-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. "We now have 57 WTO members supporting us," he said. Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world and support the TRIPS waiver that India proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster. The minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies. "India has seen golden period for healthcare in last few years. Can we make next decade, the decade of India, where we decide that between 2021 and 2030, entire world should be following Indian standards?," said the Union Minister. Talking over the achievements of the Indian pharma industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and the speed with which they produced the vaccines, he stated that "The pharmaceutical industry is the class example of the glass half full. You have done wonderful work. The nation and world will always be indebted to the Indian Pharma Industry, often called the 'Pharmacy of the World'. But I could even call it 'Health Capital of World'." "And more so, the contribution that Indian Pharma companies provided to the world. Also, because I can see, that very soon given collective efforts of the industry, all the stakeholders, the minister and his ministry and the entire Government of India support and the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put a very very bright future for your industry," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been lauded by the global leaders as India continues to lead in assisting countries with vaccines. "Can we take it upon ourselves that this is going to be defining decade both for the pharma industry and the country as move forward to truly achieve the rightful place of India in the comity of nations?" asked Goyal. More than 25 nations across the world have already received Made-in-India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, he announced.

India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist and former finance minister of Nigeria, has become the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Okonjo-Iweala was tapped for the position after South Korea’s trade minister Yoo Myung-hee announced on Friday her decision to withdraw her bid to head the WTO.

Yoo Myung-hee had been supported by the Trump administration.

In a statement, the US Trade Representative called Okonjo-Iweala a “wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy” and said she has “proven experience managing a large international organisation”.

New US President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday offered its “strong support” to Okonjo-Iweala to lead WTO.

The statement from the US Trade Representative continued: “The Biden-Harris Administration is pleased to express its strong support for the candidacy of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general of the WTO. Dr Okonjo-Iweala brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank and two terms as Nigerian Finance Minister. She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organisation with a diverse membership.

“The United States stands ready to engage in the next phase of the WTO process for reaching a consensus decision on the WTO Director-General. The Biden-Harris Administration looks forward to working with a new WTO Director-General to find paths forward to achieve necessary substantive and procedural reform of the WTO.”

Okonjo-Iweala responded to the outpouring of support over her new gig on Twitter, writing: “Grateful for the expression of support from the US today.”

“It is particularly important to underscore that two highly qualified women made it to the final round of consideration for the position of WTO director general — the first time that any woman has made it to this stage in the history of the institution,” said the statement from the US Trade Representative.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist and former finance minister of Nigeria, has become the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, an economist and former finance minister of Nigeria, has become the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Okonjo-Iweala was tapped for the position after South Korea’s trade minister Yoo Myung-hee announced on Friday her decision to withdraw her bid to head the WTO. Yoo Myung-hee had been supported by the Trump administration. In a statement, the US Trade Representative called Okonjo-Iweala a “wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy” and said she has “proven experience managing a large international organisation”. New US President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday offered its “strong support” to Okonjo-Iweala to lead WTO. The statement from the US Trade Representative continued: “The Biden-Harris Administration is pleased to express its strong support for the candidacy of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general of the WTO. Dr Okonjo-Iweala brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank and two terms as Nigerian Finance Minister. She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organisation with a diverse membership. “The United States stands ready to engage in the next phase of the WTO process for reaching a consensus decision on the WTO Director-General. The Biden-Harris Administration looks forward to working with a new WTO Director-General to find paths forward to achieve necessary substantive and procedural reform of the WTO.” Okonjo-Iweala responded to the outpouring of support over her new gig on Twitter, writing: “Grateful for the expression of support from the US today.” “It is particularly important to underscore that two highly qualified women made it to the final round of consideration for the position of WTO director general — the first time that any woman has made it to this stage in the history of the institution,” said the statement from the US Trade Representative.

A Black woman will lead the WTO for the first time

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be again taking up joint India-South Africa proposal for wavier for Intellectual Property Right (IPR) on COVID-19 vaccine patent. The proposal will be considered in the meeting of the council which is to be held on February 23.

This matter was taken up on Thursday at a meeting of the body, but the attendees failed to reach an outcome, amid stiff opposition by developed countries. WTO so far has not ruled anything on the proposal that will make access to the vaccines easier.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-withdraws-emergency-use-authorisation-application-in-india-361527" hreflang="en">Pfizer withdraws Emergency Use Authorisation application in India</a>

Countries such as the US and a few other European countries&nbsp;are opposed to the proposal as they see the free licence regime as a loss that can permanently alter the IP landscape. However, Indian-South African proposal comes even as top focus, globally, has been easy access for coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines.

Europe itself is embroiled in a tiff with the drug manufacturer, AstraZeneca, for supplies. In fact, 14 European parliamentarians have written a strongly worded letter to the EU leaders, calling for support for India-South Africa proposal. This proposal is seen as a "nuclear option" and in fact,&nbsp;the Italian Parliament had backed the proposal as far as December.&nbsp;

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be again taking up joint India-South Africa proposal for wavier for Intellectual Property Right (IPR) on COVID-19 vaccine patent.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be again taking up joint India-South Africa proposal for wavier for Intellectual Property Right (IPR) on COVID-19 vaccine patent. The proposal will be considered in the meeting of the council which is to be held on February 23. This matter was taken up on Thursday at a meeting of the body, but the attendees failed to reach an outcome, amid stiff opposition by developed countries. WTO so far has not ruled anything on the proposal that will make access to the vaccines easier. Also read| Pfizer withdraws Emergency Use Authorisation application in India Countries such as the US and a few other European countries are opposed to the proposal as they see the free licence regime as a loss that can permanently alter the IP landscape. However, Indian-South African proposal comes even as top focus, globally, has been easy access for coronavirus vaccines. Europe itself is embroiled in a tiff with the drug manufacturer, AstraZeneca, for supplies. In fact, 14 European parliamentarians have written a strongly worded letter to the EU leaders, calling for support for India-South Africa proposal. This proposal is seen as a "nuclear option" and in fact, the Italian Parliament had backed the proposal as far as December.

WTO to take up India-SAfrica proposal for waiver on IP rights for COVID vaccines on Feb 23

One year after sanctioning the EU for its support of Airbus, the World Trade Organization was expected Tuesday to let the bloc impose sanctions on the United States for aid to Boeing.

In the latest development in the 16-year saga between Washington and Brussels over support for their aircraft manufacturers, the EU is expected to get the green light&nbsp;to impose around $4.0 billion in tariffs on US goods and services, according to the Bloomberg news agency.

The European Union and the United States accuse each other of having provided illegal state aid to their respective aircraft manufacturers, and both brought claims before the WTO's trade resolution body.

Last year, the WTO authorised $7.5 billion in US sanctions against European goods and services.

It was the biggest amount authorised to date by the WTO and was a result of EU aid to Airbus that was deemed improper under international trade regulations.

Washington then imposed punitive tariffs of 25 percent on EU products such as wine, cheese and olive oil. The 10 percent tariff on Airbus planes was hiked to 15 percent in March.

The EU has already drawn up a list of US products on which it could impose tariffs, from ketchup to car parts.

Once cleared by the WTO, the EU could impose the tariffs from October 27, a week before the US presidential election.&nbsp;

While several EU leaders have been calling for imposing the tariffs immediately if Washington doesn't agree to drop its tariffs, few expect it to do so.&nbsp;

One industry source expects the WTO ruling to "open the door for negotiations".

Given the crisis the airline industry now finds itself in and the effect that is having on Airbus and Boeing, a long drawn-out battle in which tariffs raise the prices of aircraft does not serve the interests of either the EU or the United States.

That is even more the case for Boeing, which will be looking forward to resuming sales of the 737 MAX once it is cleared to resume flights.

The aircraft has been grounded since March 2019 following two deadly crashes that killed 346 people, which also halted sales.

Any tariffs would make the several hundred aircraft ordered by European airlines even more expensive.

One year after sanctioning the EU for its support of Airbus, the World Trade Organization was expected Tuesday to let the bloc impose sanctions on the United States for aid to Boeing.

One year after sanctioning the EU for its support of Airbus, the World Trade Organization was expected Tuesday to let the bloc impose sanctions on the United States for aid to Boeing. In the latest development in the 16-year saga between Washington and Brussels over support for their aircraft manufacturers, the EU is expected to get the green light to impose around $4.0 billion in tariffs on US goods and services, according to the Bloomberg news agency. The European Union and the United States accuse each other of having provided illegal state aid to their respective aircraft manufacturers, and both brought claims before the WTO's trade resolution body. Last year, the WTO authorised $7.5 billion in US sanctions against European goods and services. It was the biggest amount authorised to date by the WTO and was a result of EU aid to Airbus that was deemed improper under international trade regulations. Washington then imposed punitive tariffs of 25 percent on EU products such as wine, cheese and olive oil. The 10 percent tariff on Airbus planes was hiked to 15 percent in March. The EU has already drawn up a list of US products on which it could impose tariffs, from ketchup to car parts. Once cleared by the WTO, the EU could impose the tariffs from October 27, a week before the US presidential election. While several EU leaders have been calling for imposing the tariffs immediately if Washington doesn't agree to drop its tariffs, few expect it to do so. One industry source expects the WTO ruling to "open the door for negotiations". Given the crisis the airline industry now finds itself in and the effect that is having on Airbus and Boeing, a long drawn-out battle in which tariffs raise the prices of aircraft does not serve the interests of either the EU or the United States. That is even more the case for Boeing, which will be looking forward to resuming sales of the 737 MAX once it is cleared to resume flights. The aircraft has been grounded since March 2019 following two deadly crashes that killed 346 people, which also halted sales. Any tariffs would make the several hundred aircraft ordered by European airlines even more expensive.

EU set to get WTO green light for US tariffs

The World Trade Organization announced Thursday&nbsp;Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea's Yoo Myung-hee are the finalists to become its next director-general, ensuring a woman in the top job for the first time.

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These are the candidates moving on for members' further consideration. The result creates an historic precedent for the WTO: the 7th Director-General will become the first woman to lead the Organization. Consultations resume on 19 Oct <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTODG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTODG</a> 
Find out more: <a href="https://t.co/q4pHXjEl2z">https://t.co/q4pHXjEl2z</a> <a href="https://t.co/l4viBOncSk">pic.twitter.com/l4viBOncSk</a>
— WTO (@wto) <a href="https://twitter.com/wto/status/1314152398420684803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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WTO spokeman, Keith Rockwell said the third and final stage of the run will take place from October 19 to Ocotber 27 and that a decision should be made by November 7.

We're right on schedule for this. We might even be a little bit ahead of schedule," he said.

Asked about changes that might occur as US presidential elections will take place four days before the deadline for the decision, Rockwell said: "I don't think the domestic political situation of any country has really entered into this at all, as far as I can tell".

A selection committee said that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria and Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea qualified for the final round in a race expected to end in the coming weeks. They were picked out of a pool of five candidates.

The Geneva-based WTO's General Council, made up of envoys from the 164-member body, eliminated Amina Mohamed, a former trade minister from Kenya; Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri, a Saudi former economy minister, and British former International Trade Secretary and Brexit proponent Liam Fox.

''Deeply grateful and honored to be selected for the final round in the selection process of the next @WTO Director General!''&nbsp;tweeted Yoo, who has a law degree from Vanderbilt University.

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Deeply grateful and honored to be selected for the final round in the selection process of the next <a href="https://twitter.com/wto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTO</a> Director General! 
 
We need a capable &amp; experienced new leader who can rebuild trust and restore relevance of the <a href="https://twitter.com/wto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTO</a>. I look forward to your continued support! Thank you!!! <a href="https://t.co/Gz94jTzgzB">https://t.co/Gz94jTzgzB</a>
— Yoo Myung-hee (@YooMyunghee1) <a href="https://twitter.com/YooMyunghee1/status/1314161822992228352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Okonjo-Iweala on Twitter thanked WTO members for their support and wrote that she was ''happy to be in the final round."&nbsp;

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Happy to be in the final round of the <a href="https://twitter.com/wto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wto</a> DG campaign. Thanks, WTO members for your continued support of my candidacy. I could not have made it without the prayers and support of all Nigerians and friends around the world. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/MBuhari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MBuhari</a> and all my friends. Aluta continua!
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) <a href="https://twitter.com/NOIweala/status/1314189379594842118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The previous WTO director-general, Roberto Azevedo of Brazil, made a surprise announcement in May that he would leave the job a year early, citing a ''personal decision''.&nbsp;He left without a successor on August 31.

Azevedo's seven-year tenure was marked by intense pressure from US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, who repeatedly accused the WTO of ''unfair''&nbsp;treatment of the U.S. And started a trade war with China in defiance of the WTO system. In the past, Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the trade body altogether.

The WTO's dispute settlement system is perhaps the world's best-known venue for resolving international trade disputes - such as those pitting plane-makers Boeing and Airbus in recent decades. But the United States has clogged up the dispute settlement machinery by blocking any new members for its highest court, the Appellate Body, which has unable to address new disputes since last year.

The next director-general will face the daunting task of keeping the United States on board if Trump wins a second term, amid Washington's allegations that China is engaged in unfair practices such as excessively subsidizing industries and stealing intellectual property,&nbsp;notably at the expense of Western businesses hoping to tap the expanding Chinese market. China rejects the allegations.

The WTO, which was created in 1995 out of the former General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, has never had a woman director-general or national from Africa as its leader. It operates by consensus, meaning that any single member country can block decisions.

The World Trade Organization announced Thursday Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea's Yoo Myung-hee are the finalists to become its next director-general, ensuring a woman in the top job for the first time.

The World Trade Organization announced Thursday Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea's Yoo Myung-hee are the finalists to become its next director-general, ensuring a woman in the top job for the first time. These are the candidates moving on for members' further consideration. The result creates an historic precedent for the WTO: the 7th Director-General will become the first woman to lead the Organization. Consultations resume on 19 Oct #WTODG Find out more: https://t.co/q4pHXjEl2z pic.twitter.com/l4viBOncSk — WTO (@wto) October 8, 2020 × WTO spokeman, Keith Rockwell said the third and final stage of the run will take place from October 19 to Ocotber 27 and that a decision should be made by November 7. We're right on schedule for this. We might even be a little bit ahead of schedule," he said. Asked about changes that might occur as US presidential elections will take place four days before the deadline for the decision, Rockwell said: "I don't think the domestic political situation of any country has really entered into this at all, as far as I can tell". A selection committee said that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria and Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea qualified for the final round in a race expected to end in the coming weeks. They were picked out of a pool of five candidates. The Geneva-based WTO's General Council, made up of envoys from the 164-member body, eliminated Amina Mohamed, a former trade minister from Kenya; Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri, a Saudi former economy minister, and British former International Trade Secretary and Brexit proponent Liam Fox. ''Deeply grateful and honored to be selected for the final round in the selection process of the next @WTO Director General!'' tweeted Yoo, who has a law degree from Vanderbilt University. Deeply grateful and honored to be selected for the final round in the selection process of the next @WTO Director General! We need a capable & experienced new leader who can rebuild trust and restore relevance of the @WTO. I look forward to your continued support! Thank you!!! https://t.co/Gz94jTzgzB — Yoo Myung-hee (@YooMyunghee1) October 8, 2020 × Okonjo-Iweala on Twitter thanked WTO members for their support and wrote that she was ''happy to be in the final round." Happy to be in the final round of the @wto DG campaign. Thanks, WTO members for your continued support of my candidacy. I could not have made it without the prayers and support of all Nigerians and friends around the world. Thank you @MBuhari and all my friends. Aluta continua! — Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) October 8, 2020 × The previous WTO director-general, Roberto Azevedo of Brazil, made a surprise announcement in May that he would leave the job a year early, citing a ''personal decision''. He left without a successor on August 31. Azevedo's seven-year tenure was marked by intense pressure from US President Donald Trump, who repeatedly accused the WTO of ''unfair'' treatment of the U.S. And started a trade war with China in defiance of the WTO system. In the past, Trump has threatened to pull the United States out of the trade body altogether. The WTO's dispute settlement system is perhaps the world's best-known venue for resolving international trade disputes - such as those pitting plane-makers Boeing and Airbus in recent decades. But the United States has clogged up the dispute settlement machinery by blocking any new members for its highest court, the Appellate Body, which has unable to address new disputes since last year. The next director-general will face the daunting task of keeping the United States on board if Trump wins a second term, amid Washington's allegations that China is engaged in unfair practices such as excessively subsidizing industries and stealing intellectual property, notably at the expense of Western businesses hoping to tap the expanding Chinese market. China rejects the allegations. The WTO, which was created in 1995 out of the former General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, has never had a woman director-general or national from Africa as its leader. It operates by consensus, meaning that any single member country can block decisions.

In a first, World Trade Organization to be led by a woman

China says India and the US broke WTO rules by banning apps like TikTok & WeChat. Reportedly, China raised its objections at a closed-door meeting at WTO. Is China trying to bend the WTO to its will? WION'sPalki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is China trying to bend the World Trade Organisation to its will?

The United States is appealing at the World Trade Organization against a ruling that largely favoured Canada in a long-running dispute over lumber, putting the case into a legal void.

A three-person WTO panel determined in August that U.S. duties, designed to counter Canadian subsidies on softwood lumber, breached global trading rules.

The United States notified the WTO on Monday that it had decided to appeal.

However, Washington has blocked appointment to the WTO`s Appellate Body, leaving it with too few members to hear such appeals. The Canada case will consequently sit in a legal limbo.

The United States said the panel ruling was deeply flawed, adding it was open to discussions with Canada to resolve the dispute.

Canada said that the appeal to a body paralysed by Washington had denied Canada of its rights and compounded the unfair treatment accorded to Canadian softwood lumber producers.

"These duties have caused unjustified harm to Canadian industry and U.S. consumers alike, and are impeding economic recovery on both sides of the border," Canada`s trade minister Mary Ng said in a statement, adding Canada would keep challenging the duties through all available avenues.

The United States is appealing at the World Trade Organization against a ruling that largely favoured Canada in a long-running dispute over lumber, putting the case into a legal void.

The United States is appealing at the World Trade Organization against a ruling that largely favoured Canada in a long-running dispute over lumber, putting the case into a legal void. A three-person WTO panel determined in August that U.S. duties, designed to counter Canadian subsidies on softwood lumber, breached global trading rules. The United States notified the WTO on Monday that it had decided to appeal. However, Washington has blocked appointment to the WTO`s Appellate Body, leaving it with too few members to hear such appeals. The Canada case will consequently sit in a legal limbo. The United States said the panel ruling was deeply flawed, adding it was open to discussions with Canada to resolve the dispute. Canada said that the appeal to a body paralysed by Washington had denied Canada of its rights and compounded the unfair treatment accorded to Canadian softwood lumber producers. "These duties have caused unjustified harm to Canadian industry and U.S. consumers alike, and are impeding economic recovery on both sides of the border," Canada`s trade minister Mary Ng said in a statement, adding Canada would keep challenging the duties through all available avenues.

US appeals at WTO to place Canada lumber case in legal void

The World Trade Organization found on Tuesday that the United States breached global trading rules by imposing multibillion-dollar tariffs in President Donald Trump's trade war with China, a ruling that drew anger from Washington.

WTO: United States broke trade rules with 2018 tariffs on China

A World Trade Organization panel ruled Tuesday that Trump administration tariffs on $200bn worth of Chinese goods are illegal

WTO says US tariffs on Chinese goods violated international trade rules

Eight candidates from Mexico to Moldova are bidding to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization to replace Roberto Azevedo, who steps down at the end of August.&nbsp;

CHALLENGES

The next chief would broker international trade talks in the face of widening U.S.-China conflict, protectionism increased by the COVID-19 pandemic and pressure to reform trade rules.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/seven-candidates-battling-for-wto-leadership-311722" hreflang="en">Seven candidates battling for WTO leadership</a>

U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies have upended the global trading order and presented an existential threat to the WTO. Trump has called the institution "broken" and "horrible". Washington has blocked appointments to the WTO's Appellate Body that settles trade disputes, which now no longer has the minimum number of judges to convene.&nbsp;

HOW THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL IS CHOSEN

The candidates have been given two months to campaign until September 7. Normally this would involve trips to national capitals, but with the pandemic much of that is being done in a virtual format.

The next phase involves whittling down the field, initially to five then two, before a final decision is taken.

The WTO is a members-driven organisation with decisions reached by consensus among 164 countries. Three WTO ambassadors who chair leading committees will lead the process, seeking to establish which candidates have the widest support.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-attorney-general-blasts-american-firms-for-kowtowing-to-beijing-313919" hreflang="en">US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing</a>

In so-called "confessionals", members will tell this "troika" their preferences, without ranking them and without vetoes in a process expected to last two months. The first phase will be on Sept 7-16. Voting on the next director-general is seen only as a last resort if consensus cannot be reached.

The process does not always work smoothly. In 1999, former New Zealand prime minister Mike Moore and Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi divided WTO members, with a compromise finally found to give each a term, shortened to three years from four.

Azevedo's term will finish before his replacement takes office, but WTO members failed to agree on a temporary caretaker director-general, meaning the four deputies will stay on in their current roles.

MORE SOFT THAN HARD POWER

The Marrakesh Agreement that established the WTO in 1995 does not give a detailed description of the director-general role. The responsibilities should be "exclusively international in character".

The incoming chief would be expected to appoint four new deputies, present budget proposals, and chair the trade negotiations committee which oversees multilateral accords such as on fishing subsidies.&nbsp;

The director-general can also intervene in trade disputes, in very rare cases offering mediation, more often by appointing people to adjudicating panels when parties cannot agree.

Otherwise, the director-general does not forge global trade policy, but is meant to act as a neutral broker: part administrator, part peacemaker.

Eight candidates from Mexico to Moldova are bidding to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization to replace Roberto Azevedo, who steps down at the end of August.

Eight candidates from Mexico to Moldova are bidding to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization to replace Roberto Azevedo, who steps down at the end of August. CHALLENGES The next chief would broker international trade talks in the face of widening U.S.-China conflict, protectionism increased by the COVID-19 pandemic and pressure to reform trade rules. Also read: Seven candidates battling for WTO leadership U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies have upended the global trading order and presented an existential threat to the WTO. Trump has called the institution "broken" and "horrible". Washington has blocked appointments to the WTO's Appellate Body that settles trade disputes, which now no longer has the minimum number of judges to convene. HOW THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL IS CHOSEN The candidates have been given two months to campaign until September 7. Normally this would involve trips to national capitals, but with the pandemic much of that is being done in a virtual format. The next phase involves whittling down the field, initially to five then two, before a final decision is taken. The WTO is a members-driven organisation with decisions reached by consensus among 164 countries. Three WTO ambassadors who chair leading committees will lead the process, seeking to establish which candidates have the widest support. Also read: US attorney general blasts American firms for 'kowtowing' to Beijing In so-called "confessionals", members will tell this "troika" their preferences, without ranking them and without vetoes in a process expected to last two months. The first phase will be on Sept 7-16. Voting on the next director-general is seen only as a last resort if consensus cannot be reached. The process does not always work smoothly. In 1999, former New Zealand prime minister Mike Moore and Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi divided WTO members, with a compromise finally found to give each a term, shortened to three years from four. Azevedo's term will finish before his replacement takes office, but WTO members failed to agree on a temporary caretaker director-general, meaning the four deputies will stay on in their current roles. MORE SOFT THAN HARD POWER The Marrakesh Agreement that established the WTO in 1995 does not give a detailed description of the director-general role. The responsibilities should be "exclusively international in character". The incoming chief would be expected to appoint four new deputies, present budget proposals, and chair the trade negotiations committee which oversees multilateral accords such as on fishing subsidies. The director-general can also intervene in trade disputes, in very rare cases offering mediation, more often by appointing people to adjudicating panels when parties cannot agree. Otherwise, the director-general does not forge global trade policy, but is meant to act as a neutral broker: part administrator, part peacemaker.

How the next WTO chief will be chosen and the task ahead

Seven candidates are vying to become the next head of the beleaguered World Trade Organization -- with two entering the race just before the close of nominations on Wednesday. 
 
Britain's first post-Brexit international trade secretary Liam Fox and Kenya's former WTO general council chair Amina Mohamed threw their hats in the ring in the final hours before the 1600 GMT deadline. 
 
They join candidates from Egypt, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria and South Korea. 
 
The WTO is staging a swift contest to replace outgoing director-general Roberto Azevedo. The Brazilian career diplomat is stepping down a year early at the end of August.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/global-trade-set-to-shrink-185-in-q2-defying-worst-fears-wto-307910" hreflang="en">Global trade set to shrink 18.5% in Q2, defying worst fears: WTO</a> 
 
The new leader will be taking on an institution that was beset with mammoth challenges even before the pandemic-driven global economic crisis struck. 
 
"As the world seeks to recover from the shared challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of free and fair trade has never been more crucial," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his letter to the WTO, nominating Fox. 
 
He said the former defence minister, 58, could implement the necessary reforms "to ensure the global trading system truly delivers for all WTO members." 
 
The new chief must revive stalled trade talks, lay the ground for the 2021 ministerial conference -- one of the WTO's major events -- and thaw relations with Washington.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mike-pompeo-criticises-hsbc-for-corporate-kowtow-to-beijing-304822" hreflang="en">Mike Pompeo criticises HSBC for 'corporate kowtow' to Beijing</a> 
 
The United States, which has threatened to leave the WTO, has blocked the organisation's dispute settlement appeal system since December, and wants China moved up from the developing economies category. 
 
In a surprise move in mid-May, Azevedo, 62, announced that he would end his second four-year term early for personal reasons, forcing the Geneva-based WTO's 164 member states to come up with a successor in just three months instead of the usual nine. 
 
Rather than an election, the selection procedure relies on finding consensus, with candidates gradually being eliminated in turn. 
 
The WTO finds itself caught in the middle of rising tensions between the United States and China, and if the process becomes "heavily politicised, that could block things up", a diplomatic source told AFP. 
 
If a consensus cannot be reached in time, one of the four deputy directors-general will take the reins in September on a caretaker basis.

&nbsp;First African WTO boss? 
Besides Fox and Mohamed, the other candidates are South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee; Mexico's former WTO deputy director-general Jesus Seade Kuri; former Nigerian foreign and finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Egyptian former diplomat Hamid Mamdouh; and former Moldovan foreign minister Tudor Ulianovschi. 
 
Since the WTO was created in 1995, three of its directors-general were from Europe, while one each came from Oceania, Asia and South America.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/business-economy/covid-19-could-lead-to-deepest-economic-recession-of-our-lifetime-wto-291380" hreflang="en">COVID-19 could lead to deepest economic recession of our lifetime: WTO</a> 
 
Africa fancies its chances this time, even though there is no regional rotation principle at the global trade body. 
 
However, African nations have so far failed to convene around a single candidate. 
 
Mamdouh, 67, a veteran former senior WTO official who is also a Swiss national, is the only contender from the continent with any express backing from the African Union. 
 
Nigeria's decision to stand Okonjo-Iweala against him has triggered a legal dispute with the AU. 
 
Nevertheless, Okonjo-Iweala "is gaining ground within Africa," a diplomatic source said. 
 
Okonjo-Iweala,&nbsp;66, who chairs the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said she was receiving "tremendous support". 
 
The former World Bank number two insisted that the WTO -- which has never had a female leader -- must choose is next chief "on merit". 
 
"And then, if it happens to be a woman or an African, that is also good," she told reporters in Geneva at a virtual press conference in late June. 
 
Kenya's sports minister Mohamed, 58, first ran for the post in 2013. Her candidacy this time means there are three women and three Africans in the contest. 
 
Yoo, 53, is the other female candidate. 
 
The youngest contender is 37-year-old Ulianovschi, while Seade, at 73, is the oldest. He has led posts at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Seven candidates are vying to become the next head of the beleaguered World Trade Organization -- with two entering the race just before the close of nominations on Wednesday.

Seven candidates are vying to become the next head of the beleaguered World Trade Organization -- with two entering the race just before the close of nominations on Wednesday. Britain's first post-Brexit international trade secretary Liam Fox and Kenya's former WTO general council chair Amina Mohamed threw their hats in the ring in the final hours before the 1600 GMT deadline. They join candidates from Egypt, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria and South Korea. The WTO is staging a swift contest to replace outgoing director-general Roberto Azevedo. The Brazilian career diplomat is stepping down a year early at the end of August. Also read: Global trade set to shrink 18.5% in Q2, defying worst fears: WTO The new leader will be taking on an institution that was beset with mammoth challenges even before the pandemic-driven global economic crisis struck. "As the world seeks to recover from the shared challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of free and fair trade has never been more crucial," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his letter to the WTO, nominating Fox. He said the former defence minister, 58, could implement the necessary reforms "to ensure the global trading system truly delivers for all WTO members." The new chief must revive stalled trade talks, lay the ground for the 2021 ministerial conference -- one of the WTO's major events -- and thaw relations with Washington. Also read: Mike Pompeo criticises HSBC for 'corporate kowtow' to Beijing The United States, which has threatened to leave the WTO, has blocked the organisation's dispute settlement appeal system since December, and wants China moved up from the developing economies category. In a surprise move in mid-May, Azevedo, 62, announced that he would end his second four-year term early for personal reasons, forcing the Geneva-based WTO's 164 member states to come up with a successor in just three months instead of the usual nine. Rather than an election, the selection procedure relies on finding consensus, with candidates gradually being eliminated in turn. The WTO finds itself caught in the middle of rising tensions between the United States and China, and if the process becomes "heavily politicised, that could block things up", a diplomatic source told AFP. If a consensus cannot be reached in time, one of the four deputy directors-general will take the reins in September on a caretaker basis. First African WTO boss? Besides Fox and Mohamed, the other candidates are South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee; Mexico's former WTO deputy director-general Jesus Seade Kuri; former Nigerian foreign and finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Egyptian former diplomat Hamid Mamdouh; and former Moldovan foreign minister Tudor Ulianovschi. Since the WTO was created in 1995, three of its directors-general were from Europe, while one each came from Oceania, Asia and South America. Also read: COVID-19 could lead to deepest economic recession of our lifetime: WTO Africa fancies its chances this time, even though there is no regional rotation principle at the global trade body. However, African nations have so far failed to convene around a single candidate. Mamdouh, 67, a veteran former senior WTO official who is also a Swiss national, is the only contender from the continent with any express backing from the African Union. Nigeria's decision to stand Okonjo-Iweala against him has triggered a legal dispute with the AU. Nevertheless, Okonjo-Iweala "is gaining ground within Africa," a diplomatic source said. Okonjo-Iweala, 66, who chairs the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said she was receiving "tremendous support". The former World Bank number two insisted that the WTO -- which has never had a female leader -- must choose is next chief "on merit". "And then, if it happens to be a woman or an African, that is also good," she told reporters in Geneva at a virtual press conference in late June. Kenya's sports minister Mohamed, 58, first ran for the post in 2013. Her candidacy this time means there are three women and three Africans in the contest. Yoo, 53, is the other female candidate. The youngest contender is 37-year-old Ulianovschi, while Seade, at 73, is the oldest. He has led posts at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Seven candidates battling for WTO leadership

The World Trade Organization(WTO) chief Roberto Azevedo said today that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-timeline-from-covid-19s-origin-to-spread-291354">coronavirus</a> could lead to the "deepest economic recession or downturn of our lifetimes" the world grapples with the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-records-757-deaths-as-one-day-toll-rises-after-falling-for-four-straight-days-291358">Also Read: Spain records 757 deaths as one-day toll rises after falling for four straight days</a>

"We should aim to make the most of all potential drivers of sustainable growth to reverse this situation," the WTO chief said. The global trade body said that growth is expected to plummet by up to a third this year due to the pandemic sweeping the world.

"World trade is expected to fall by between 13 percent and 32 percent in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts normal economic activity and life around the world," it said.

WTO said trade was already slowing since last year but now "is expected to register double-digit declines in trade volumes in nearly all regions this year".

"This crisis is first and foremost a health crisis which has forced governments to take unprecedented measures to protect people's lives," Azevedo said, adding,"the unavoidable declines in trade and output will have painful consequences for households and businesses, on top of the human suffering caused by the disease itself."

The virus has already claimed over 76,000 lives with Europe being the most affected after China where it originated in December last year. There are already 1,447,466 cases of infection worldwide with 399, 929 affected in the US- the highest in the world, followed by 146, 690 in Spain.

Over 17,000 people have died to COVID-19 in Italy which has been the worst affected country in the world after Spain where 14, 555 people have died so far. In France, over 10,000 people have died. In the United Kingdom, over 6,000 people have died with PM Johnson in ICU after being hit by the virus himself.&nbsp;

The World Trade Organization(WTO) chief Roberto Azevedo said today that the coronavirus could lead to the "deepest economic recession or downturn of our lifetimes" the world grapples with the virus.

The World Trade Organization(WTO) chief Roberto Azevedo said today that the coronavirus could lead to the "deepest economic recession or downturn of our lifetimes" the world grapples with the virus. Also Read: Spain records 757 deaths as one-day toll rises after falling for four straight days "We should aim to make the most of all potential drivers of sustainable growth to reverse this situation," the WTO chief said. The global trade body said that growth is expected to plummet by up to a third this year due to the pandemic sweeping the world. "World trade is expected to fall by between 13 percent and 32 percent in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts normal economic activity and life around the world," it said. WTO said trade was already slowing since last year but now "is expected to register double-digit declines in trade volumes in nearly all regions this year". "This crisis is first and foremost a health crisis which has forced governments to take unprecedented measures to protect people's lives," Azevedo said, adding,"the unavoidable declines in trade and output will have painful consequences for households and businesses, on top of the human suffering caused by the disease itself." The virus has already claimed over 76,000 lives with Europe being the most affected after China where it originated in December last year. There are already 1,447,466 cases of infection worldwide with 399, 929 affected in the US- the highest in the world, followed by 146, 690 in Spain. Over 17,000 people have died to COVID-19 in Italy which has been the worst affected country in the world after Spain where 14, 555 people have died so far. In France, over 10,000 people have died. In the United Kingdom, over 6,000 people have died with PM Johnson in ICU after being hit by the virus himself.

COVID-19 could lead to deepest economic recession of our lifetime: WTO

British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-stop-brexit-uks-johnson-gets-down-to-work-268636">Boris&nbsp;Johnson</a>&nbsp;will use the prospect of a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;cliff-edge&nbsp;at the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;2020&nbsp;to&nbsp;demand&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-appeals-to-wto-against-the-european-unions-discriminative-palm-oil-restrictions-268519">European Union</a> gives him a comprehensive free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;in less than 11 months.

In his boldest move since winning a majority in Thursday's election,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will use his control of parliament to outlaw any extension of the&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;transition period beyond&nbsp;2020.

"Our manifesto made clear that we will not extend&nbsp;the implementation period and the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/welcoming-new-lawmakers-johnson-vows-a-speedy-brexit-268427">Withdrawal Agreement Bill</a> will legally prohibit government agreeing to any extension," a senior government official said on Tuesday.

After the United Kingdom leaves the&nbsp;European Union on January&nbsp;31, it enters a transition period in which it remains an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member in all but name while both sides try to hammer out a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;on their post-Brexit&nbsp;relationship.

A comprehensive free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;would encompass everything from financial services and rules of origin to tariffs, state aid rules and fishing, though the scope and sequencing of any future&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is still up for discussion.

Sterling dropped as much as 0.7 per cent&nbsp;to $1.3236 in Asia after ITV first reported the move.

By enshrining in law his campaign promise not to extend&nbsp;the transition period beyond the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;2020,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;cuts the amount of time he has to strike a&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to 10-11 months from nearly three years.

While&nbsp;Johnson's large majority gives him the flexibility to change the law should he need to, he is sending a message to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;whose leaders have cautioned London that more time would be needed for a comprehensive&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal.

"We are going to make sure that we get this&nbsp;deal&nbsp;done in time," Michael Gove, one of the most senior ministers in&nbsp;Johnson's government, told the BBC.

Johnson&nbsp;and US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-democrats-seek-testimony-from-bolton-and-other-trump-aides-268609">Donald Trump</a> said on Monday they looked forward to continued close cooperation and the negotiation of an "ambitious" UK-US&nbsp;free&nbsp;trade&nbsp;agreement.

If the United Kingdom and the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;failed to strike a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;on their future relationship and the transition period was not extended, then&nbsp;trade&nbsp;between the two would be on World&nbsp;Trade&nbsp;Organisation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fate-of-wto-top-court-threatened-with-trump-administrations-move-to-block-new-appointments-267597">WTO</a>) terms more burdensome for businesses.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;hopes to start&nbsp;trade&nbsp;talks with Britain by March, leaving just 10 months to strike a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;and get it approved by London and the&nbsp;EU, including member states’ parliaments.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;insists it will not seal a&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition.

The&nbsp;EU’s&nbsp;demands will focus on environmental and labour standards, as well as state aid rules to ensure Britain would not be able to offer products on the bloc’s single market at unfairly low prices.

Britain’s conundrum is that it will be under pressure to loosen rules on agricultural and food standards to strike a bilateral&nbsp;trade&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with the United States.

But this would be crossing a red line for the&nbsp;EU, which would restrict access to its market to protect its own producers.

Fishing is a particularly thorny issue as&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries will no longer be able to operate in British waters as they do now.

With industry supply chains in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;crossing borders multiple times for products like cars and drugs, agreeing exact rules to designate where products come from - and hence what regulations and taxes apply will also be fraught.

"It will be very complicated. It’s about an array of relations, in&nbsp;trade, in fishing and cooperation in security and foreign policy,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel told an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit news conference on Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the prospect of a Brexit cliff-edge at the end of 2020 to demand the European Union gives him a comprehensive free trade deal in less than 11 months.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will use the prospect of a Brexit cliff-edge at the end of 2020 to demand the European Union gives him a comprehensive free trade deal in less than 11 months. In his boldest move since winning a majority in Thursday's election, Johnson will use his control of parliament to outlaw any extension of the Brexit transition period beyond 2020. "Our manifesto made clear that we will not extend the implementation period and the new Withdrawal Agreement Bill will legally prohibit government agreeing to any extension," a senior government official said on Tuesday. After the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on January 31, it enters a transition period in which it remains an EU member in all but name while both sides try to hammer out a deal on their post-Brexit relationship. A comprehensive free trade deal would encompass everything from financial services and rules of origin to tariffs, state aid rules and fishing, though the scope and sequencing of any future deal is still up for discussion. Sterling dropped as much as 0.7 per cent to $1.3236 in Asia after ITV first reported the move. By enshrining in law his campaign promise not to extend the transition period beyond the end of 2020, Johnson cuts the amount of time he has to strike a trade deal to 10-11 months from nearly three years. While Johnson's large majority gives him the flexibility to change the law should he need to, he is sending a message to the EU whose leaders have cautioned London that more time would be needed for a comprehensive trade deal. "We are going to make sure that we get this deal done in time," Michael Gove, one of the most senior ministers in Johnson's government, told the BBC. Johnson and US President Donald Trump said on Monday they looked forward to continued close cooperation and the negotiation of an "ambitious" UK-US free trade agreement. If the United Kingdom and the EU failed to strike a deal on their future relationship and the transition period was not extended, then trade between the two would be on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms more burdensome for businesses. The EU hopes to start trade talks with Britain by March, leaving just 10 months to strike a deal and get it approved by London and the EU, including member states’ parliaments. The EU insists it will not seal a trade deal with a large, economically powerful neighbour without solid provisions to guarantee fair competition. The EU’s demands will focus on environmental and labour standards, as well as state aid rules to ensure Britain would not be able to offer products on the bloc’s single market at unfairly low prices. Britain’s conundrum is that it will be under pressure to loosen rules on agricultural and food standards to strike a bilateral trade deal with the United States. But this would be crossing a red line for the EU, which would restrict access to its market to protect its own producers. Fishing is a particularly thorny issue as EU countries will no longer be able to operate in British waters as they do now. With industry supply chains in the EU crossing borders multiple times for products like cars and drugs, agreeing exact rules to designate where products come from - and hence what regulations and taxes apply will also be fraught. "It will be very complicated. It’s about an array of relations, in trade, in fishing and cooperation in security and foreign policy,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel told an EU summit news conference on Friday.

Boris Johnson uses threat of Brexit cliff edge to demand European Union trade deal by end of 2020

Indonesia has filed a lawsuit at the World Trade Organization against the European Union, claiming the bloc’s restrictions on palm oil-based biofuel are unfair.

The European Commission concluded earlier this year that palm oil cultivation results in excessive deforestation and its use in transport fuel should be phased out by 2030.

The action could escalate a trade dispute between Indonesia as the country is the world’s biggest producer of palm oil and has repeatedly said it will challenge the EU’s renewable energy directive known as RED II, at the WTO’s dispute settlement body.

Indonesia sent a request for consultation to the EU on 9th December 2019 as the initial initiation stage in the lawsuit.

Indonesia's trade minister has said that the decision was made after assessing scientific studies and after meetings with associations and businesses involved in the palm oil sector.

"Indonesia officially sent a request for consultation on December 9, 2019, to the EU as the initial step for the lawsuit," Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto said in a statement Sunday.

Neighbouring country Malaysia, the world's second-biggest palm oil producer, has also threatened the EU with similar lawsuits. &nbsp;

Indonesia’s Director General of Foreign Trade Wisnu Wardhana said the EU’s policy would not just impact Indonesia’s palm oil exports to Europe, but would also tarnish the image of palm oil products globally.

Palm oil is the world's most widely used vegetable oil and a key ingredient in a wide range of products from food to cosmetics but according to environmentalists, it drives deforestation, with huge parts of Southeast Asian rainforest logged in recent decades to make way for palm plantations.

Iman Pambagyo, Indonesia's director-general for international trade negotiations, said Jakarta had previously tried other bilateral avenues to reach an agreement, without success.

"We need to assert Indonesia's stance on EU policy," Pambagyo said, referring to the WTO complaint, and adding that he hoped for a "best solution".

Indonesia has filed a lawsuit at the World Trade Organization against the European Union, claiming the bloc’s restrictions on palm oil-based biofuel are unfair. The European Commission concluded earlier this year that palm oil cultivation results in excessive deforestation and its use in transport fuel should be phased out by 2030.

Indonesia has filed a lawsuit at the World Trade Organization against the European Union, claiming the bloc’s restrictions on palm oil-based biofuel are unfair. The European Commission concluded earlier this year that palm oil cultivation results in excessive deforestation and its use in transport fuel should be phased out by 2030. The action could escalate a trade dispute between Indonesia as the country is the world’s biggest producer of palm oil and has repeatedly said it will challenge the EU’s renewable energy directive known as RED II, at the WTO’s dispute settlement body. Indonesia sent a request for consultation to the EU on 9th December 2019 as the initial initiation stage in the lawsuit. Indonesia's trade minister has said that the decision was made after assessing scientific studies and after meetings with associations and businesses involved in the palm oil sector. "Indonesia officially sent a request for consultation on December 9, 2019, to the EU as the initial step for the lawsuit," Trade Minister Agus Suparmanto said in a statement Sunday. Neighbouring country Malaysia, the world's second-biggest palm oil producer, has also threatened the EU with similar lawsuits. Indonesia’s Director General of Foreign Trade Wisnu Wardhana said the EU’s policy would not just impact Indonesia’s palm oil exports to Europe, but would also tarnish the image of palm oil products globally. Palm oil is the world's most widely used vegetable oil and a key ingredient in a wide range of products from food to cosmetics but according to environmentalists, it drives deforestation, with huge parts of Southeast Asian rainforest logged in recent decades to make way for palm plantations. Iman Pambagyo, Indonesia's director-general for international trade negotiations, said Jakarta had previously tried other bilateral avenues to reach an agreement, without success. "We need to assert Indonesia's stance on EU policy," Pambagyo said, referring to the WTO complaint, and adding that he hoped for a "best solution".

Indonesia appeals to WTO against the European Union's 'discriminative' palm oil restrictions

The fate of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue.

The powerful appellate body of the global commerce block, which rules during trade disputes, is all set to lose two judges, who finished their terms on December 10.&nbsp;

According to WTO rules, there must be three judges to hear each case but the Trump administration has blocked new appointments to the body.

The US has also threatened to block the WTO's budget, which could cause the entire organisation to shut down by January 2020.

Since his appointment, Trump has always maintained that the WTO is biased against the US, and has criticised it for being "unfair".&nbsp;

Speaking on the sidelines of WTO's General Council, WTO Director-General Azevedo emphasised on the fact that the appellate body crisis doesn't mean the end of the global trade organization.

Trump's move signals demise of the 24-year-old body which was founded in 1995.

Based out of Geneva, the WTO governs nearly $23 billion in global trade.

It is worth noting that a crippled WTO could be a potential danger for India's interests as India has several disputes that could be left in limbo if the top court collapses.

Some of those ongoing disputes include US and Japan complaining of excessive import duties, fee hikes for non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B and India pulling up the US for its steel and aluminium tariffs.&nbsp;

In the last few months alone, four cases have been brought to the WTO against India’s alleged support measures for its sugar and sugarcane producer.

Meanwhile, other major WTO economies have planned by deciding on an interim arrangement.

However, India has also opposed such an idea to set up arbitration panels to resolve disputes bilaterally.

The fate of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue.

The fate of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue. The powerful appellate body of the global commerce block, which rules during trade disputes, is all set to lose two judges, who finished their terms on December 10. According to WTO rules, there must be three judges to hear each case but the Trump administration has blocked new appointments to the body. The US has also threatened to block the WTO's budget, which could cause the entire organisation to shut down by January 2020. Since his appointment, Trump has always maintained that the WTO is biased against the US, and has criticised it for being "unfair". Speaking on the sidelines of WTO's General Council, WTO Director-General Azevedo emphasised on the fact that the appellate body crisis doesn't mean the end of the global trade organization. Trump's move signals demise of the 24-year-old body which was founded in 1995. Based out of Geneva, the WTO governs nearly $23 billion in global trade. It is worth noting that a crippled WTO could be a potential danger for India's interests as India has several disputes that could be left in limbo if the top court collapses. Some of those ongoing disputes include US and Japan complaining of excessive import duties, fee hikes for non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B and India pulling up the US for its steel and aluminium tariffs. In the last few months alone, four cases have been brought to the WTO against India’s alleged support measures for its sugar and sugarcane producer. Meanwhile, other major WTO economies have planned by deciding on an interim arrangement. However, India has also opposed such an idea to set up arbitration panels to resolve disputes bilaterally.

Fate of WTO top court threatened with Trump Administration's move to block new appointments

After today, the World Trade Organisation, as the arbiter of global trade disputes, will no longer be able to fulfill its role. The strong appeal body of the WTO— which upholds, modifies or reverses the decision in trade disputes— is set to lose two judges who finish their terms on December 10, leaving only one member to the board. The administration of Trump has blocked the new appointments to the appellate body, claiming it has overstepped its mandate

WTO on the verge of collapse as Trump administration block new appointments

The fate of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-leaders-call-for-free-trade-reform-to-un-wto-262203">world trade organization's(WTO)</a> top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue.

The powerful appellate body of the global commerce block which rules during trade disputes is all set to lose two judges, who finish their terms on December 10.

According to WTO rules, there must be three judges to hear each case but the Trump administration has blocked new appointments to the body.

The US has also threatened to block the WTO's budget, which could cause the entire organisation to shut down by January 2020.

Ever since his appointment, Trump has always maintained that WTO is "biased" against the US, and has criticised it for being “unfair”.

It signals the demise of the 24-year-old body which was founded in 1995 based out of Geneva, the WTO governs nearly $23 billion in global trade.

The move&nbsp;could mean danger for India's interests which has several disputes that could be left in limbo if the top court collapses.

Some of those ongoing disputes include US and Japan complaining of excessive import duties and fee hikes for non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B issue and India pulling up the US over its steel and aluminium tariffs.

In the last few months alone, four cases have been brought to the WTO against India’s alleged support measures for its sugar and sugarcane producer.

Meanwhile, other major WTO economies have planned ahead by deciding on an interim arrangement but India has also opposed such an idea to set up arbitration panels to resolve disputes bilaterally.

The fate of the world trade organization's(WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue.

The fate of the world trade organization's(WTO) top court has effectively been sealed after the United States said that it would not back a proposal to allow it to continue. The powerful appellate body of the global commerce block which rules during trade disputes is all set to lose two judges, who finish their terms on December 10. According to WTO rules, there must be three judges to hear each case but the Trump administration has blocked new appointments to the body. The US has also threatened to block the WTO's budget, which could cause the entire organisation to shut down by January 2020. Ever since his appointment, Trump has always maintained that WTO is "biased" against the US, and has criticised it for being “unfair”. It signals the demise of the 24-year-old body which was founded in 1995 based out of Geneva, the WTO governs nearly $23 billion in global trade. The move could mean danger for India's interests which has several disputes that could be left in limbo if the top court collapses. Some of those ongoing disputes include US and Japan complaining of excessive import duties and fee hikes for non-immigrant visas, including the H-1B issue and India pulling up the US over its steel and aluminium tariffs. In the last few months alone, four cases have been brought to the WTO against India’s alleged support measures for its sugar and sugarcane producer. Meanwhile, other major WTO economies have planned ahead by deciding on an interim arrangement but India has also opposed such an idea to set up arbitration panels to resolve disputes bilaterally.

US proposal set to seal fate of WTO top court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-to-hold-meeting-on-pensions-as-strike-bites-266909">France</a> is ready to go to the World Trade Organisation to challenge US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's threat to put tariffs on champagne and other French goods in a row over a French tax on internet companies, its finance minister said on Sunday.

"We are ready to take this to an international court, notably the WTO, because the national tax on digital companies touches US&nbsp;companies in the same way as EU or French companies or Chinese. It is not discriminatory," Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told France 3 television.

Paris has long complained about US&nbsp;digital companies not paying enough tax on revenues earned in France.

In July, the French government decided to apply a 3 per cent&nbsp;levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by firms with more than 25 million euros in French revenue and 750 million euros ($845 million) worldwide.

It is due to kick in retroactively from the start of 2019.

Washington is threatening to retaliate with heavy duties on imports of French champagne, cheeses and luxury handbags, but France and the European Union say they are ready to retaliate in turn if Trump carries out the threat.

Le Maire said France was willing to discuss a global digital tax with the United States at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), but that such a tax could not be optional for internet companies.

"If there is agreement at the OECD, all the better, then we will finally have a global digital tax. If there is no agreement at OECD level, we will restart talks at EU level," Le Maire said.

He added that new EU Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni had already proposed to restart such talks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-unions-call-for-new-protests-strikes-on-tuesday-over-pension-reforms-266676">France pushed ahead with its digital tax</a> after EU member states, under the previous executive European Commission, failed to agree on a levy valid across the bloc after opposition from Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

The new European Commission assumed office on December&nbsp;1.

France is ready to go to the World Trade Organisation to challenge US President Donald Trump's threat to put tariffs on champagne and other French goods in a row over a French tax on internet companies, its finance minister said on Sunday.

France is ready to go to the World Trade Organisation to challenge US President Donald Trump's threat to put tariffs on champagne and other French goods in a row over a French tax on internet companies, its finance minister said on Sunday. "We are ready to take this to an international court, notably the WTO, because the national tax on digital companies touches US companies in the same way as EU or French companies or Chinese. It is not discriminatory," Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told France 3 television. Paris has long complained about US digital companies not paying enough tax on revenues earned in France. In July, the French government decided to apply a 3 per cent levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by firms with more than 25 million euros in French revenue and 750 million euros ($845 million) worldwide. It is due to kick in retroactively from the start of 2019. Washington is threatening to retaliate with heavy duties on imports of French champagne, cheeses and luxury handbags, but France and the European Union say they are ready to retaliate in turn if Trump carries out the threat. Le Maire said France was willing to discuss a global digital tax with the United States at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), but that such a tax could not be optional for internet companies. "If there is agreement at the OECD, all the better, then we will finally have a global digital tax. If there is no agreement at OECD level, we will restart talks at EU level," Le Maire said. He added that new EU Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni had already proposed to restart such talks. France pushed ahead with its digital tax after EU member states, under the previous executive European Commission, failed to agree on a levy valid across the bloc after opposition from Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. The new European Commission assumed office on December 1.

Ready to take Trump's tariff threat to World Trade Organisation: French Finance Minister Le Maire

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