Ukraine formally accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Ukraine formally deposited its instrument of acceptance for the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 17 August. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, received Ukraine’s instrument during her visit to Kyiv from the Deputy Prime Minister.
Indonesia initiates WTO dispute complaint regarding EU duties on biodiesel imports
Indonesia has requested WTO dispute consultations with the European Union regarding the EU’s imposition of countervailing duties on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia. The request was circulated to WTO members on 15 August.
WTO issues panel reports in two disputes between India and the United States
On 8 August, the WTO circulated two panel reports in the cases brought by India and the United States in “United States — Certain Measures on Steel and Aluminium Products” (DS547) and “India — Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States” (DS585).
WTO dispute panel issues report regarding Chinese duties on US products
On 16 August, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by the United States in “China — Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States” (DS558).
The WTO and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie launch a call for submissions on digital trade
The Secretariats of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) have launched a joint call for contributions for research papers on regulatory aspects of digital trade, and inclusive and sustainable development dynamics, particularly with regard to French-speaking developing and least-developed countries (LDCs). The deadline for submissions is 30 October 2023.
WCO facilitates ASYCUDA World capacity building to Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) by Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)
Continuing the progress initiated by the WCO-facilitated ASYCUDA World benchmarking mission from Namibia to Zambia in April 2023, two officers from ZRA visited Windhoek from 24 to 28 July 2023. They provided hands-on support and engaged in a knowledge exchange with NamRA to enhance the application of ASYCUDA World within the operational environment. The capacity building activity takes place under the auspices of the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme as financially supported by the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), providing capacity building and support under a multi-year framework. During the mission, the ZRA team focused on transferring knowledge related to system configuration, encompassing aspects such as self-assessment, e-payments, risk profiles creation and selectivity, Valuation control and the Central Processing Centre. The team also conducted site visits, including stops at the Dedicated Service Centre and Hosea Kutako International Airport.
WCO and COMESA Business Council Host a Virtual Webinar on AfCFTA Rules of Origin
On July 19, 2023, the World Customs Organization (WCO) in partnership with the COMESA Business Council (CBC) held an awareness webinar on AfCFTA rules of origin under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin (RoO) Africa Programme funded by the European Union. The webinar was attended by over 90 participants from the region and across the African continent and aimed to equip the CBC private sector with essential skills and knowledge on the technical and administrative aspects of the AfCFTA Rules of Origin.
WTO issues panel reports in two disputes between India and the United States
On 8 August, the WTO circulated two panel reports in the cases brought by India and the United States in “United States — Certain Measures on Steel and Aluminium Products” (DS547) and “India — Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States” (DS585).
WTO panel to review US compliance with Spanish olive duties ruling
The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on 28 July to a request from the European Union for the establishment of a compliance panel to review the United States’ implementation of an earlier panel ruling regarding US countervailing duties on ripe olives from Spain. The DSB also adopted a panel ruling in a complaint filed by Japan regarding China’s imposition of anti-dumping duties on imports of Japanese stainless steel.
Indonesia launches safeguard investigation on certain wools
On 27 July 2023, Indonesia notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had decided to initiate on 25 July 2023 a safeguard investigation on slag wool, rock wool, and similar mineral wools (including intermixtures thereof), in bulk, sheets or rolls.
Panel issues report in dispute between Dominican Republic and Costa Rica on steel duties
On 27 July, the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Costa Rica in “Dominican Republic — Anti-dumping measures on corrugated steel bars” (DS605).