WTO structure and rules

This subtopic provides an overview of the WTO’s structure and rules. It is aimed at lawyers who need a high-level overview of the legal framework. This subtopic contains the following guidance on the WTO structure and rules:

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Practice Note: An introduction to the basic principles of trade introduces basic WTO principles as

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Latest International Trade News

Commission concludes CEPA and IPA negotiations with Indonesia

The European Commission has announced the conclusion of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) with Indonesia. The agreements will eliminate duties on 98.5% of tariff lines, protect 221 EU geographical indications and establish new legal frameworks for services and investments. The deals include enforceable provisions on climate and workers' rights, with the Paris Agreement as an essential element. Following legal revision and translation, the agreements require Council approval, European Parliament consent and Indonesian ratification before implementation. EU exporters are expected to save €600m annually in duties.

TRA proposes anti-dumping duties on engine oils from Lithuania and UAE

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has published a Statement of Essential Facts (SEF) proposing permanent anti-dumping duties on engine oils and hydraulic fluids imported from Lithuania and the UAE. The investigation, initiated in June 2024 following an application from Aztec Oils Ltd, covered passenger car motor oils, heavy-duty commercial vehicle oils, and hydraulic oils. The TRA determined that UK producers—primarily small businesses employing fewer than 100 people—suffered material injury, with industry sales amounting to £285m during the investigation period from April 2023–March 2024.The proposed duties include rates of up to 84.72% for individual participating companies, with country-wide rates set at 95.36% for Lithuania and 34.55% for the UAE. These duties are intended to be applied for a period of five years.

European Commission imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese glyoxylic acid imports

The European Commission has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties ranging from 29.2% to 124.9% on imports of glyoxylic acid from China. This decision follows an investigation, initiated on 25 July 2024 after a complaint by WeylChem Lamotte SAS—the sole EU producer—that found evidence of dumping causing material injury to the EU industry.The implementing regulation specifies the following duty rates for glyoxylic acid with a minimum purity of 95%: 29.2% for Hubei Hongyuan Pharmaceutical Technology, 57.3% for Xinjiang Guolin New Materials, 64% for other cooperating companies and 124.9% for all other Chinese producers. The regulation also includes an end-use exemption for glyoxylic acid employed in producing formaldehyde-free, sulfur-based reducing agents with an iron content between 10 and 20 parts per million. Additionally, the application of individual duty rates requires the presentation of a valid commercial invoice that includes a specific declaration to customs authorities.