WTO

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 | Last Update : 04:12 PM IST

Dilip Cherian | Centre extends envoy’s tenure ahead of WTO meeting in Feb

This extension comes ahead of the crucial 13th ministerial conference of the WTO in February 2024.

06 Jul 2023 12:05 AM

Global trade is expected to drop around 18.5 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2020. (AFP Photo)

WTO: Global trade set to shrink 18.5% in Q2

The global trade body said that in the first quarter, the volume of merchandise trade shrank by 3% year-on-year.

23 Jun 2020 3:26 PM

$'They're having their worst year in many, many decades. They're having a supply chain that's being absolutely fractured and broken, which is very bad for them,' Trump told reporters at the White House in response to a question. (Photo: File)$

'China has taken advantage of US and WTO,' says Trump

Trump asserted as a result of his policies the US has created tremendous wealth in this country since he was elected.

05 Sep 2019 1:33 PM

The world's two biggest economies have been embroiled in a bruising year-long trade war which escalated further on Sunday when Washington moved ahead with fresh levy hikes which Beijing had promised to match. (Photo: File)

After imposition of fresh tariffs, China lodges WTO trade complaint against US

US's latest levies on imports from China took effect under high-pressure campaign aimed at compelling Beijing to sign a new trade deal.

03 Sep 2019 11:14 AM

The major US complaint against the WTO is about the dispute settlement mechanism as well as the system by which countries declare themselves as developing countries. (Photo: AP)

US being treated more fairly by WTO now, we appreciate it: Trump

Trump has complained of differential treatment received by India, China at WTO, even threatened to pull out of the global organisation.

26 Aug 2019 6:39 PM

WTO members agreed to establish panels requested by Brazil, Australia and Guatemala to review India's support measures for the sugar sector.

WTO to set up dispute settlement panel to review India's sugar subsidy

India has stated that the measures were consistent with its WTO obligations.

17 Aug 2019 10:03 AM

Pakistan faces disappointment at WTO

The country lost the chairmanship of WTO's Committee on Trade and Environment (CTE) and Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL).

04 Aug 2019 4:36 PM

India has been providing transport subsidies of between 1,000 rupees (USD 14.59) a tonne to 3,000 rupees a tonne to sugar mills.

India to keep sugar export subsidies even as rivals complain-sources

India’s exports surged to 3.3 million tonnes from 620,000 tonnes a year earlier.

16 Jul 2019 11:22 AM

Global imbalances remain large and persistent and require thorough monitoring and timely policy responses.We further stress the importance of a favourable global economic environment for sustained growth of international trade, the joint statement said. (Photo: AFP | File)

BRICS leaders call for transparent, inclusive international trade

The 5 leaders noted that world economic growth appears to be stabilising and is generally projected to pick up moderately.

28 Jun 2019 6:44 PM

Piyush Goyal said "we believe" that the US decision of withdrawing GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) benefits "is not exactly as per the norms of WTO and GATT which have been mutually agreed and which are multilateral trade agreements". (Photo: File)

India won't bargain national interest in trade talks with US: Goyal

India exported goods worth over USD 6 billion under GSP in 2018.

27 Jun 2019 9:44 AM

The European Union asked India to explain how PM Modi proposed to spend 25 trillion rupees (USD 357.5 billion) on agriculture and rural development, doubling farmers' incomes by 2022 as part of a 100 trillion-rupee, five-year infrastructure splurge. (Photo: File)

'How will this be done?': EU asks India about double farmers' income at WTO

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have both made boosting farm incomes a priority.

18 Jun 2019 9:14 AM

India believes that the reform process should not undermine the WTO's fundamental principles, namely, 'Special and Differential Treatment' (S&DT), consensus based decision making and objective of development, said Piyush Goyal. (Photo: File)

WTO reform process should not undermine its basic principles: Goyal

Piyush Goyal said in reform process of the WTO, concerns of all member countries must be accommodated.

11 Jun 2019 10:21 AM

On May 14, Japan dragged India to the WTO over the import duties imposed on certain electronic goods including telephones for cellular networks.

Singapore, Canada seek to join WTO consultations over India's ICT products tariff

According to a communication of WTO, both countries have stated that they have a substantial trade interest in ICT goods.

21 May 2019 3:32 PM

'The logjam in the appellate body is a serious threat to the dispute settlement mechanism of the WTO and the implementation function of the organisation,' an official statement said quoting the secretary. (Photo: File)

Collapse of WTO's dispute system, imbalance in reform agenda: India

The issues were flagged by India on first day of a meeting of senior officials of 22 members of the WTO.

13 May 2019 2:48 PM

As per the WTO rules, these countries would have to seek approval from India and the EU to join the consultation process.

Canada, Thailand seek to join WTO consultations over India tariff issue

The US, Singapore and Chinese Taipei had also expressed their interest to join consultations in this dispute on Tuesday.

24 Apr 2019 5:03 PM

Biswajit Dhar, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said that the US allegations are completely unfounded.

India is not a tariff king, has right to protect specific sectors under WTO: Experts

US Prez Donald Trump repeatedly claimed India is a 'tariff king' and imposes 'tremendously high' import duties on American goods.

21 Apr 2019 1:48 PM

Talking about the proposed national e-commerce policy, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said the draft is in the public domain and the ministry would look at all suggestions and views.

India mulls hosting second WTO mini-ministerial meet next month: Prabhu

This meeting assumes significance as several countries are raising questions over the relevance of the global trade body.

05 Apr 2019 4:47 PM

WTO economists expect merchandise trade volume growth to fall to 2.6 per cent in 2019 down from 3 per cent in 2018.

World trade will continue to face strong headwinds in 2019-20: WTO

The preliminary estimate of 3 per cent for world trade growth in 2018 is below the WTO's recent forecast of 3.9 per cent.

03 Apr 2019 8:33 AM

India always maintains that its farm subsidies are well below the WTO's cap of 10 per cent.

India's subsidies to farmers very low as compared to western countries: Wadhawan

European Union, US, have alleged in the World Trade Organization that India provides huge subsidies to its farmers.

27 Mar 2019 4:22 PM

US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned he could walk away from a trade deal with China. (Photo:AP)

Trump warns China that he isnt afraid of 'No Deal'

The United States and China have imposed tit-for-tat tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of each others' goods.

01 Mar 2019 9:59 AM

India may impose anti-dumping duty on a certain type of sheet used in solar cell

The commerce ministry's dumping investigation arm DGTR has recommended the duty in the range of USD 537 to USD 1,559 per tonne.

27 Feb 2019 2:17 PM

The WTO forecast last September that global trade growth would slow to 3.7 per cent in 2019 from an estimated 3.9 per cent in 2018, but there could be a steeper slowdown or a rebound depending on policy steps, it said. (Representational Image)

WTO warns of global trade slowdown as indicator hits 9-year low

The WTO’s quarterly outlook indicator, a composite of seven drivers of trade, showed a reading of 96.3, the weakest since March 2010.

19 Feb 2019 5:33 PM

Several railways infrastructure projects in Nepal have been undertaken with India's assistance, Fekita said. (Photo: Pixabay)

India can play key role in Nepal's bid to expand global trade: UN official

The LLDCs are amongst some of the most vulnerable countries, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative, Fekita 'Utoikamanou said.

17 Feb 2019 3:33 PM

India imported goods worth USD 488.5 million in 2017-18. (Photo: File)

Commerce ministry to notify WTO regarding revoking MFN status to Pakistan

The decision would enable India to increase custom duties on goods imported from Pakistan.

15 Feb 2019 5:05 PM

A WTO report put the total value of e-commerce in 2016 at USD 27.7 trillion.

76 WTO members pushing for new e-commerce rules

E-commerce, or online trade in goods and services, has become a huge component of the global economy.

27 Jan 2019 10:55 AM

Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu

Slowing global economy is a concern for India, says Suresh Prabhu

No country can benefit from the decline in the world trade.

16 Oct 2018 4:30 PM

India is yet to take a call on complying with the US sanctions on Iran.

FinMin, RBI working out mechanism to ensure smooth India-Iran trade

The commerce secretary says India will impose duties on imports within WTO norms.

26 Sep 2018 8:17 AM

China, throttled by export barriers to the US, might diversify the structure of its exports, using overseas production and export units in countries with trade ties to the US. India could be one such location.

US-China trade battles to impact India, world

The average tariff rate for WTO member countries was down to nine per cent in 2013.

26 Sep 2018 1:46 AM

Argentina holds the G20’s rotating presidency this year, and is currently re-negotiating a $50 billion stand-by financing deal with the IMF. (Photo: Twitter.com)

G20 trade ministers say WTO reform 'urgent' as new Trump tariffs loom

The Trump administration has demanded that China cut its $375 billion trade surplus with the United States.

15 Sep 2018 11:00 AM

The President also said that the US should get paid for securing the wealthy countries from the outside harm. (Photo: AFP)

‘Whole thing is crazy’: Trump wants to stop subsidies to India, China

Attacking the WTO, US President Donald Trump said he thinks that the World Trade Organization was probably the worst of all.

08 Sep 2018 2:19 PM

Global Sugar Alliance met in Geneva to discuss the degree to which subsidies provided and proposed by Pakistan, India and the EU contravene WTO rules.

World sugar exporters ask India, Pakistan, EU to cut subsidies

World sugar price has dropped to a level below the cost of production of even the most efficient producers in the world.

20 Jul 2018 9:02 AM

G20 economies needed to use all means at their disposal to de-escalate the situation and promote further trade recovery.

WTO sees signs of trade tensions starting to affect global economy

WTO analysis found that G20 countries introduced 39 new trade restrictions between mid-Oct last year and mid-May this year.

05 Jul 2018 8:40 AM

Donald Trump wants to quit WTO, says report

“There’s no breaking news here ... it’s not right,” Mnuchin told Fox Business Network, calling the report “fake news.”

30 Jun 2018 5:59 AM

Prabhu will visit Washington and New york during his five-day visit beginning from June 10.

Prabhu to raise visa, steel duty, WTO issues with USTR

India's exports of steel and aluminium products to America stood at about USD 1.5 billion every year.

25 May 2018 1:54 PM

India, China, Russia, Japan, Turkey and the European Union have all dismissed that claim, regarding the US tariffs.

India takes US steel tariffs complaint to the WTO

Trump imposed the tariffs in March, levying 25 per cent on steel imports and 10 per cent on aluminium.

24 May 2018 8:33 AM

Country has sought consultations with the US under the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism.

India drags US to WTO over steel, aluminium duties

India's exports of steel and aluminium products to America stood at about USD 1.5 billion every year.

19 May 2018 2:16 PM

India’s apparent MPS for wheat appears to have been over 60 per cent of the value of production in each of the last four years. (Photo: PTI)

India giving rice and wheat production vast support, US tells WTO

In 2013-14, India notified MPS for rice of 120 billion rupees equivalent to 5.45 pc of the value of rice production.

10 May 2018 8:45 AM

World Trade Organisation chief Roberto Azevedo. (Photo: PTI)

Escalating trade dispute could derail recovery: WTO chief

The impact of an all-out trade war would hit poor countries.

21 Apr 2018 10:29 AM

China files trade complaint against US at World Trade Organization over steel, aluminum tariffs. (Photo: AFP)

China challenges US over steel, aluminium tariffs at WTO

China's representative to the world trade body has requested "consultations" with Washington.

10 Apr 2018 2:23 PM

Mills say a sharp fall in sugar prices erodes their profitability, making it difficult for them to pay cane growers on time.

India likely to pay cane growers to help sugar mills: sources

Government officials insist India’s plans to directly pay cane growers would not contravene WTO rules.

10 Apr 2018 10:56 AM

India has requested the US to exempt it from the hefty tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

India requests US for exemption from steel, aluminium tariffs

India exports around USD 1.5 billion worth of these products to America.

02 Apr 2018 3:51 PM

China’s suspension of its tariff concessions is a legitimate action adopted under WTO rules to safeguard China’s interests.

China imposes additional tariffs in response to US duties on steel, aluminium

China has slapped extra tariffs of up to 25 per cent on 128 US products including frozen pork

02 Apr 2018 10:45 AM

US officially filed a trade complaint at WTO against China over its alleged discriminatory technology licensing practices. (Photo: AP)

Put US tariff beast back in the cage: China to WTO

US complaint stated, China appears to be breaking WTO rules by denying foreign patent holders.

27 Mar 2018 11:03 AM

Global trade facing challenges, India needs to boost exports: Prabhu

Prabhu said India is meeting leaders of some African countries to promote exports in the region.

23 Mar 2018 2:14 PM

Suresh Prabhu lobbies with 53 nations on free trade

Prabhu also said a senior Chinese trade minister will be coming to India next week to hold talks over the huge trade deficit.

21 Mar 2018 1:26 AM

The meeting is the first time WTO members have gathered since Donald Trump’s announcement last week of a 25 per cent tariff on US imports of steel and 10 per cent on aluminum.

DG: US seeks reforms in WTO’s functioning

India’s steel and aluminum exports to the US amount to about $1.5 billion.

20 Mar 2018 1:59 AM

Commerce & industry minister Suresh Prabhu.

India to engage with 50 nations

Representatives from 50 countries will be gathering in New Delhi on March 19-20 for an informal WTO ministerial meeting.

19 Mar 2018 1:42 AM

WTO route could be time consuming. (Photo:PTI)

India can’t flex much: Assocham

However, the WTO route could be time consuming. So, the best course would be to stay bilaterally engaged, it said.

19 Mar 2018 1:38 AM

India is hosting the WTO meeting with the objective of facilitating an exchange of views on various issues and challenges relating to multilateral trading system. (Photo: PTI/Representational)

Pak pulls out of WTO meet in India due to diplomatic standoff

India has invited over 40 countries for the WTO mini-ministerial meeting on March 19-20.

17 Mar 2018 12:11 PM

The US Trade Representative (USTR) argued that at least half a dozen Indian programmes provide financial benefits to Indian exporters, which allow them to sell their goods more cheaply to the detriment of American workers and manufacturers. (Photo: Representational| File)

US challenges Indian export subsidy scheme at World Trade Organisation

'These export subsidy programmes harm American workers by creating an uneven playing field on which they must compete,' said Lighthizer.

15 Mar 2018 9:18 AM

India not blamed for stonewalling WTO talks for first time: Suresh Prabhu

As regards the food security issue, the minister said that India was keen to have a permanent solution.

17 Dec 2017 6:36 PM

'The aim was to bring like-minded nations together and explain to them the country's position as well as concerns over issues of common interest,' Suresh Prabhu said. (Photo: File)

Pushing for food security, Suresh Prabhu aims to call WTO member's meeting

India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues at the WTO.

17 Dec 2017 6:19 PM

According to Sharma, who felicitated for the success of his book at a session in Buenos Aires, the book highlights the issue of public stockholding in India and elsewhere and also the policy constraints being faced by developing nations on account of the WTO rules. (Photo: File)

Delhi professor’s book on food security becomes best seller at WTO meet

It deals with food security problems in 12 countries, including China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and Zimbabwe.

13 Dec 2017 8:47 AM

India's proposal at WTO to negotiate a trade facilitation pact in services has received a mixed response from member countries.

India's TFS draft draws mixed reactions from WTO members

It provides a framework to address various impediments to trade in services in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

19 Jul 2017 3:28 PM

The foreign trade regulator DGFT is going online with digitisation and rollout of the goods and services tax.

Govt working on proposal to merge DGFT with CBEC

As per the World Bank's ease of doing business report (2017), India is ranked 130th out of 190 economies

14 Jun 2017 4:10 PM

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

India submits TFA in services proposal to WTO

A TFA in services would focus on issues like liberalised visa regime, long-term visas for business community among other things.

24 Feb 2017 11:02 AM

India ready to discuss on MIP issue with WTO

MIP was notified as an emergency measure as other trade remedial measures are time consuming.

21 Feb 2017 3:16 PM

Free trade: A corporate scam

In spite of all the knowledge we have of the link between industrially processed junk food and disease.

01 Feb 2017 1:55 AM

US’ TPP-exit favours India

US exit also puts the deal in jeopardy; nations think of alternative ways to move forward.

25 Jan 2017 2:49 AM

US President-elect Donald Trump. (Photo: AP)

India, Trump and the future matrix

It is important to understand that Mr Trump has not killed globalisation or international trade.

13 Nov 2016 1:50 AM

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