WTO News

1. United Kingdom launches safeguard investigation on polyethylene terephthalate

   On 5 August 2026, the United Kingdom notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated, on the same day, a safeguard investigation on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

2. World Trade and Tech Day to explore policies to make AI work for inclusive trade

   The WTO will host the first World Trade and Tech Day on 14 September at its headquarters in Geneva, bringing together trade and information and communications technology (ICT) policymakers, industry leaders and other stakeholders to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) strategies can better support economies' efforts to maximize the gains of international trade.

3. Global goods trade resilient in the first quarter of 2026 despite war in Middle East

   World merchandise trade growth exceeded expectations in the first quarter of 2026 as surging trade in electronic components related to artificial intelligence (AI) offset the negative impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which began in the final month of the quarter. Trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to be more fully captured in trade data for the next quarter.

4. Brazil initiates dispute regarding additional duties imposed by the United States

   Brazil has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States regarding additional US duties on products originating in Brazil as a result of two investigations by the United States under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. Brazil said the additional duties are above the duties otherwise applicable under the US harmonized tariff schedule. The request was circulated to WTO members on 30 July.

5. WTO panel issues report regarding Turkish measures on EVs and other types of vehicles

   On 28 July, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by China in "Türkiye — Measures Concerning Electric Vehicles and Other Types of Vehicles from China" (DS629).