WTO: Shipping industry cites mounting cost, capacity pressures amid global trade disruptions
Senior executives from leading global shipping companies and industry groups underlined growing operational and economic challenges to goods trade during a 28 May meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. They noted that, while global supply chains have demonstrated resilience, efforts to identify and rely on alternative maritime routes amid disruptions – particularly in the Gulf region and other chokepoints – are driving up costs for shippers and ultimately consumers. Source: WTO
WTO: New Zealand launches safeguard investigation on certain aluminium extrusions
On 27 May 2026, New Zealand notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards of the initiation on 28 May 2026 of a safeguard investigation on imports of certain aluminium extrusions. Source: WTO
WTO: Members consider Chinese request for dispute panel on solar, IT goods measures in India
At a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 22 May, members considered a request from China for the establishment of a dispute panel to review measures in India affecting imports of solar cells, solar modules and information technology goods. The new DSB Chair, Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota (Brazil), also made a statement on advancing the WTO’s dispute settlement reform talks. Source: WTO
WTO: Russian Federation notifies launch of safeguard investigation on motor car pneumatic tyres
On 14 May 2026, the Russian Federation notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards regarding the initiation on 7 May 2026 of a safeguard investigation on certain motor car pneumatic tyres imported into the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union. Source: WTO
WTO: Members advance transparency work in rules of origin, explore trade facilitation links
At a meeting of the Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO) on 11-12 May, WTO members advanced work on transparency and notification practices, discussed the future direction of work on preferential rules of origin for least-developed countries (LDCs), and participated in an information session on the links between trade facilitation and rules of origin. The meeting was chaired by Ms Carol Tsang of Hong Kong, China. Source: WTO
WTO: United States notifies import surcharges, ready for WTO consultations
At a meeting of the Committee on Balance-of-Payments Restrictions held on 5 May, WTO members discussed the United States’ new notification regarding the imposition of import surcharges to address the country’s serious balance-of-payments deficits. The United States said the surcharges took effect on 24 February 2026 and will expire on 24 July 2026, unless extended by an act of Congress. Members welcomed the transparency of the United States and its readiness to engage in consultations in line with WTO rules. Source: WTO
WCO Permanent Technical Committee advances innovation and collaboration to support Customs modernization
More than 280 representatives of Customs administrations, international organizations, academia, and the private sector gathered at WCO Headquarters in Brussels or joined online from 5 to 8 May 2026 for the 251st/252nd Sessions of the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC). The sessions focused on cross-border e-commerce, technology and innovation, and practical tools and frameworks supporting modern Customs operations, providing an opportunity for Members to share experiences and help shape future priorities.
The meeting opened with remarks by WCO Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Treviño, who referred to the 2026 WCO theme, “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”, highlighting how the Committee’s work contributes to this objective through the development of interoperable data frameworks, digital tools and international standards. This was followed by a keynote address from Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Deputy Secretary General Fabrizia Lapecorella, who offered valuable insights on the implications of cross-border e-commerce for revenue collection and highlighted key trends shaping the digital economy.
Delivering tools for modern Customs
A key outcome of the sessions was the endorsement and advancement of several core instruments and tools underpinning Customs Modernization. Discussion on technology and innovation underscored the need for interoperable and practical solutions. The Committee endorsed the WCO Data Model Product Management document and the WCO Data Model annual medium release (version 4.3.0), strengthening the Data Model’s central role in supporting harmonized data exchange.
The Committee endorsed the WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies 2026, reflecting the latest developments in adoption of emerging technologies. Progress under the WCO Smart Customs Project and continued work on Smart Security Devices were noted. Source
WCO Boosts Geospatial Intelligence for Fragile Border Management in Africa with Master Trainer Milestone Expansion to 14 WCO Members
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully completed a Master Trainer Program (MTP) on Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) for five WCO Members in West Africa namely Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. The MTP resulted in the development of the first-ever 13 Master Trainers on GEOINT and training materials on GEOINT in the Customs context. Consecutively, the WCO and JICA launched a new expanded cycle of MTP on GEOINT for 14 WCO Members in Africa. Both important milestones were achieved in February 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), marking a significant step forward in strengthening the capacity of Customs administrations across the African continent.
Completion of the MTP on GEOINT for West Africa
As part of the implementation of WCO Fragile Border Action Plan endorsed by the WCO Council in June 2023, the third and last Working Group (WG3) activity of MTP on GEOINT for West Africa was held in Nairobi from 26 to 30 January 2026. This session was based on the solid technical foundation established during previous working groups and focused on finalizing training materials and assessing participants' readiness to deliver training as Master Trainers. Notably, the training materials developed through this first batch of MTP are the first-ever training materials on GEOINT in the context of Customs. Source
WTO: The US is ready to consult on import subsidies
At the meeting of the Committee on Restrictions on Balance of Payments Protection held on 5 May 2026, WTO members discussed a new notification from the United States on the introduction of import subsidies (10%) to address severe balance of payments deficits. The United States said the subsidies went into effect on February 24, 2026, and will expire on July 24, 2026, unless extended by an act of Congress. Members welcomed the readiness of the United States to participate in consultations in accordance with WTO rules.