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World Trade Organization (WTO)

World Trade Organization (WTO)
The latest news, analysis and opinion on World Trade Organization (WTO). In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Illustration: Craig Stephens
European Union

Opinion | A complicated new EU-China showdown is quietly taking shape

For now, both sides still need each other and there is nowhere else to turn. But behind this reliance, irritation and paranoia are rising.

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China-EU relations

EU abandons WTO case against China over alleged coercion of Lithuania

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China economy

Opinion | The rise of a Beijing-led ‘Global South Consensus’

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United States

Outside In | Trump’s G20 boycott sums up a year of US attacks on multilateralism

Despite the duress, most countries clearly do not prefer Trumpian unilateralism. But while multilateralism is not dead, it is limping badly.

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US President Donald Trump speaks to media aboard Air Force One on November 14, while in flight from Washington to West Palm Beach International Airport. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
United States

Opinion | Don’t blame China for America’s authoritarian turn

America’s authoritarian turn didn’t start with Donald Trump and has been decades in the making.

US-China relations

Opinion | US national security focus throws a spanner in the workings of global trade

While attention to legitimate national security interests is justified, trade matters have traditionally been viewed as a parallel sphere.

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Video | Why has China renounced its WTO privileges?

China will relinquish its special treatment as a developing country in the World Trade Organization.

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China economy

Video | China’s ‘developing country’ status

China will relinquish its special treatment as a developing country at the World Trade Organization.

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China economy

Opinion | China is spearheading a new phase of globalisation

Achieving true industrial leadership will depend not just on domestic innovation but on the ability to support hi-tech manufacturing around the world.

Open Questions series

Open Questions | John Mearsheimer on Taiwan, US-China rivalry, Trump and Ukraine

International relations scholar weighs risks of great power conflict in East Asia, West’s blunder on Russia and what Donald Trump got right about China.

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Illustration: KaKuen Lau
US-China relations

Opinion | Given its rare earth vulnerability, US cannot risk all-out trade war

Washington must accept that it has missed its chance to contain China’s rise and focus on developing a US macro-region.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
US-China relations

Opinion | China’s counter-attacks are giving Trump a taste of his own medicine

Beijing has stood firm, retaliated with the same measures used against China and masterfully delayed its countermeasures to maximise impact.

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China economy

Opinion | China’s WTO concession only marks phase one of a protracted campaign

In one move, Beijing gets to disarm Washington of a rhetorical weapon while maintaining the mantle of leadership within the Global South.

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Diplomacy

Outside In | Trump has the megaphone but WTO deal shows multilateralism not dead

After 25 years of disagreement and procrastination, WTO members have agreed to ratify a deal to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies.

WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addresses delegates during a session on fisheries subsidies at the 13th ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi on February 26, 2024. Photo: AFP
China and climate change

China makes global leadership push as US retreats

Beijing boosted its efforts to develop a multipolar world at the UN this week in contrast to US President Donald Trump’s combative stance.

President Xi Jinping delivers a video speech to the UN Climate Summit 2025. Photo: Xinhua
China-India relations

India and China vie for Global South leadership at UN gatherings

Parallel diplomacy highlights rivalry as Beijing pledges WTO reforms and New Delhi touts democratic alternatives.

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US-China relations

Did Trump’s UN Russia rant hint at a China pivot?

While Moscow was attacked over Ukraine war, observers point to softer rhetoric on Beijing and what the US leader didn’t say in his speech.

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China trade

China to relinquish WTO privileges in show of support for multilateral trade

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing will not seek developing country benefits in future WTO negotiations, drawing implicit contrast with US.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang has announced concessions on negotiations held under the World Trade Organization framework. Photo: AFP
China economy

How have China’s 5-year plans shaped its economic trajectory?

China’s first plan pushed industrialisation, but after the country became the ‘world’s factory’, focus has shifted to advanced technologies.

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US-China relations

Brazil’s Lula rebukes Washington at UN, yet finds surprise US opening

Brazil’s president condemned US tariffs and interventions before Trump extended an unexpected hand, hinting at possible talks next week.

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Singapore

‘Don’t judge too quickly’: Singapore defends Asean’s shifts amid China-US row

Vivian Balakrishnan says binary thinking should be avoided, and that Singapore is open to business with all countries.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan attends the Asean meeting of foreign ministers in Vientiane in July last year. Photo: Reuters
US-China trade war

WTO chief finds hope in Trump trade disruption, sees chance for ‘reglobalisation’

Acknowledging that global trade is ‘heavily dented’, Okonjo-Iweala also says ‘opportunity is knocking at our door to do things differently’.

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Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), speaks during the WTO Public Forum at the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

As the US retreats, can Xi’s new initiative shape the future world order?

Analysts say the GGI reflects China’s ambitions to shape a multipolar world, but it needs more substance to avoid becoming an ‘empty shell’.

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China trade

Why Mexico’s big tariff hike on Chinese cars won’t cripple their competitiveness

For Chinese carmakers with global operations, there is still some wiggle room, while setting up factories in Mexico could be a bumpy road, according to analysts.

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Banking & finance

Opinion | Financial markets won’t be spared as geopolitical rules are torn up

From markets and trade to tech and climate change, the world is changing, and economists need to be ready.

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A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on September 10. Bubble markets and rapidly evolving technology are worrying indicators of what is happening in today’s markets. Photo: AP
Americas and the Caribbean

Facing Trump pressure, Mexico to raise tariffs on cars from China to 50%

The move comes under a broad overhaul that will hit sectors from textiles to steel and also affect countries like India and South Korea.

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Mexican Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard speaks during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s daily morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City in February. Photo: AP
US-China trade war

Brics virtual rally falters as members appear leery of exacerbating US trade war

Group criticises US policies but steers clear of direct attacks on US President Donald Trump, who’s called for an end to the bloc.

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Diplomacy

Macroscope | Shanghai spirit for new world order needs to be matched by the West

SCO summit’s vision can’t be implemented without the requisite monetary and financial systems in place. The West must play a role if the world is not to fragment into blocs.

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