Trade concerns

The Council heard a record high of 44 trade concerns on measures maintained or newly introduced by 31 members, three of which were raised for the first time. The highest number of concerns raised related to measures covering quantitative restrictions (16 trade concerns), technical barriers to trade (13) and sanitary and phytosanitary measures (8), followed by measures related to tariffs, domestic taxation, anti-dumping duties, import licensing requirements, balance of payments, local content requirements, export controls, subsidies, and notification requirements.

The measures covered by these trade concerns encompass a wide range of sectors (e.g. agricultural, information technology, fisheries, forestry and food products) as well as specific products, such as air conditioners, apples, cheese, cosmetics, energy drinks, instant coffee, mobile phones, pears, plain copier paper, pulses, tyres and steel. The full agenda of the meeting, including the list of trade concerns discussed, is available here.

Members considered for the second time in the Council the restrictive measures introduced in several economies in response to the conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. In addition, members also heard several concerns relating to the introduction of environmental measures.

MC12 outcomes

Regarding implementation of MC12 decisions referenced by the General Council chair, Ambassador Didier Chambovey (Switzerland), at a Heads of Delegations meeting on 7 July, the Goods Council chair Mr Oudot de Dainville informed members that three elements from the “Geneva Package” could have an impact on the work of the Goods Council: the work programme on electronic commerce; the WTO response to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics; and WTO reform. Mr Oudot de Dainville said that he remained available to discuss with members how to move forward with possible work on these topics. One delegation proposed holding consultations on these issues after the summer break.

On a separate agenda item, the chair provided information on the latest version of the Annual Plan of Meetings for the Goods Council and its subsidiary bodies to ensure optimal scheduling.

Proposal on graduated least developed countries (LDCs)

Members discussed again the LDC Group proposal on measures to allow graduated LDCs with a gross national product (GNP) below USD 1,000 to be granted benefits pursuant to the provision of Article 27.2 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, i.e. exemption from the provision on export subsidies (WT/GC/W/742-G/C/W/752).

Other issues

The Council took note of two regional trade agreements notified by members: the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States and Indonesia; and the notification of suspension of the Free Trade Agreement between Nicaragua and Chinese Taipei.

Members also took note of the additional extension by the European Union and the United Kingdom of the six-month period ending 1 January 2023 for members to withdraw equivalent concessions provided in Article 28, Modification of Schedules , of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in order to allow additional time to conclude negotiations of trading relationships with members following the UK's withdrawal from the EU on 1 February 2020.

Next meeting

The next Goods Council meeting is scheduled for 24-25 November 2022.