The World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) has agreed to China's request to establish a panel to review Türkiye's measures on electric vehicles imported from China. The DSB also adopted a panel ruling on the EU's measures concerning palm oil and palm crop-based biofuels, stating that Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (the Renewable Energy Directive) and related regulations unfairly discriminated against Indonesia's palm oil biofuels.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) has adopted a compliance panel report in DS591 concerning Colombia's anti-dumping duties on frozen fries from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, following a 24 November meeting. The panel found on 23 October that Colombia had failed to fully comply with an earlier panel ruling and arbitrators' award issued under the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA). The European Union announced it was appealing a panel report in DS616 regarding steel import duties from Indonesia, resulting in the removal of two items from the DSB agenda: the adoption of the DS616 panel ruling and the EU's request for authorization to impose countermeasures on US goods imports in DS577 concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Spanish olives. Colombia, representing 130 members, introduced for the 92nd time a proposal to commence Appellate Body vacancy selection processes, which the United States opposed. The DSB also received surveillance reports from the EU, US and Indonesia on implementation of previous rulings across multiple disputes.

The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) considered China’s request for the establishment of a dispute panel to review measures in India affecting imports of solar cells, solar modules and information technology goods. China requested the panel to determine whether Indian tariffs on certain imported high-tech goods and incentive measures for solar energy products contingent on the use of domestic over imported goods, are consistent with India’s WTO commitments. India stated that it regretted the request for a panel, maintained that the measures are consistent with WTO law and noted its view regarding the importance of diversified supply chains and domestic industry development. The DSB took note of the statements made by both parties and agreed to revert to the matter should a member request further action.

The World Trade Organization's (WTO) Council for Trade in Goods has reviewed 35 specific trade concerns on 11 April 2025, including four new issues regarding EU fluorinated gas regulations, Indian import restrictions, Philippine mineral export controls, and US tariff measures. The US justified its recent tariffs under WTO security exceptions, citing a national emergency declaration based on trade deficits. The Council also received a compliance report showing 77.2% overall submission rate for trade notifications, and elected Mr. Gustavo Nerio Lunazzi of Argentina as new Chair.

The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Panel has released a report with its findings regarding the ‘Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China’ (DS603) case, which was brought by China. The Panel found that the Australian Anti-Dumping Commission (ADC) had only concluded an original investigation on railway wheels and wind towers and had concluded an original investigation alongside multiple interim reviews and an expiry review on stainless steel sinks. The Panel also found that China had not showed that the ADC’s actions were inconsistent with Article 2.2.2 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement, by applying a profit rate to improperly uplifted cost data and found it unnecessary to assess other claims raised by China under Article 2 of the Anti-Dumping Agreement as the important issues had been addressed, among other findings.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported significant progress in its Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade. The initiative now includes 82 members, representing over 88% of global plastics trade. The WTO has discussed harmonising trade-related plastics measures, strengthening cooperation on standards for non-plastic alternatives, and potential outcomes for single-use plastic goods at the upcoming Ministerial Conference. The organisation plans to consolidate discussions on eight key focus areas in an upcoming review session, aiming to deliver concrete and pragmatic outcomes.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) reported on 24 March 2025 that Canada has initiated formal dispute proceedings against China by requesting consultations regarding alleged violations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Dispute Settlement Understanding. The case, referenced as WT/DS636/1, enters the mandatory 60-day consultation period, after which Canada may request panel adjudication if the dispute remains unresolved through bilateral discussions.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported on 7 April 2025 that Canada has initiated formal dispute proceedings against the United States, claiming violations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994. The request for consultations marks the first stage of the WTO dispute settlement process, giving parties 60 days to resolve the matter before panel adjudication can be requested. The specific measures under dispute are detailed in document WT/DS637/1.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that China will no longer seek special and differential treatment in future WTO agreements. The Director-General of the WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, welcomed the announcement by Chinese Premier, Li Qiang, describing it as a significant development for the WTO. Dr Okonjo-Iweala noted that China’s decision reflects a commitment to developing a more balanced and equitable global trading system. She added that the move will help create a level playing field among WTO member states and advance the organisation’s modernisation efforts.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported on 8 April 2025 that China has initiated dispute proceedings against the United States by filing a request for consultations. China alleges US measures violate obligations under GATT 1994, the Agreement on Customs Valuation, and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures. The consultation request, documented in WT/DS638/1, marks the first formal step in WTO dispute settlement procedures. If unresolved within 60 days, China may request panel adjudication.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that the EU has notified of its decision to appeal the panel report in the dispute brought by Indonesia regarding the countervailing duties on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia (DS618), as announced at the Dispute Settlement Body meeting. Indonesia criticised the appeal due to the current non-functioning status of the Appellate Body, while the EU reiterated its invitation for Indonesia to join the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arrangement (MPIA) to safeguard the right to appeal. The continued inability of WTO members to agree on filling Appellate Body vacancies remains a barrier to effective dispute resolution, with Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, again proposing to initiate the selection process. The United States opposed the proposal, citing concerns about the system’s effectiveness and its compatibility with national interests. Further details on the EU-Indonesia dispute are expected in document WT/DS618/5.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reported that India has launched a safeguard investigation, allowing interested parties to submit their views within 15 days from 19 December 2024. The investigation aims to determine whether increased imports are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic industry. The WTO has clarified that members may implement temporary import restrictions if the investigation finds evidence of serious injury or threat thereof. This process enables stakeholders to present evidence and respond to other parties' submissions during the course of the investigation.