WTO structure and rules

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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:

  1. •

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

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Latest International Trade News

TRA opens first UK expiry review into Turkish rainbow trout countervailing measure

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has opened the UK’s first expiry review, concerning countervailing measure TS0002 on imports of certain rainbow trout from Turkey. The review follows an application from the British Trout Association (BTA) and will investigate whether subsidisation of the imports and injury to the UK industry, are likely to continue or recur if the measure were to expire. The TRA has assessed the BTA’s application and concluded that there is sufficient evidence to initiate the review in line with the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s trade remedies framework. Businesses affected by the investigation can register their interest on the public file by 6 February 2026. An online drop-in session is scheduled for 4 February 2026.

International Trade weekly highlights—22 January 2026

This week's edition of International Trade weekly highlights includes: the EU and Mercosur signing a partnership and interim trade agreement to strengthen economic and strategic relations, and the Trade Remedies Authority opening an anti-subsidy investigation into creamy/white limestone imports from Portugal.

EU and Mercosur sign partnership and interim trade agreement to strengthen economic and strategic relations

The European Union and Mercosur have signed a Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and an Interim Trade Agreement (iTA). The agreements are intended to strengthen economic, diplomatic and geopolitical relations, delivering substantial new commercial opportunities for EU companies and supporting EU jobs while creating one of the world’s largest trade zones, covering around 700 million consumers. The agreement represents a historic milestone in relations between the two regions and is expected to drive a 39% increase in annual EU exports to Mercosur, valued at approximately €49 billion.

TRA opens anti-subsidy investigation into creamy/white limestone imports from Portugal

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has opened an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of creamy/white limestone from Portugal following an application from a UK producer. The application alleges that subsidies provided by the Portuguese government are causing injury to the UK domestic industry and identifies 14 subsidy programmes, including grants, non-refundable financing and funded payments aimed at supporting the stone industry. These subsidies are alleged to have enabled Portuguese producers to invest in more efficient machinery and strengthen their competitive position in overseas markets. The investigation period covers 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, while the injury period spans 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2025. Creamy/white limestone is described as a natural stone product used in high-end architectural projects, heritage restorations and premium commercial builds.

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