WTO structure and rules

This subtopic provides an overview of the WTO’s structure and rules. It is aimed at lawyers who need a high-level overview of the legal framework. This subtopic contains the following guidance on the WTO structure and rules:

•
Practice Note: An introduction to the basic principles of trade introduces basic WTO principles as

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

TAKE A FREE TRIAL

Latest International Trade News

USTR announces review of unfair foreign trade practices

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a review of foreign trade practices, conducted in accordance with sections 2(c) and 3(c) of the recently signed Presidential Memorandum ‘America First Trade Policy'. The review seeks to identify practices that may be deemed unfair to the US, including those that are potentially unreasonable or discriminatory, and could restrict US commerce.

Commission extends duties on Chinese e-bike imports until 2030

The European Commission has extended anti-dumping and countervailing duties on electric bicycles imported from China for an additional five years. This decision follows an expiry review investigation which revealed ongoing unfair subsidies and dumping practices. The duties, ranging from 10.3% to 70.1% for anti-dumping and 3.9% to 17.2% for countervailing measures, were initially implemented in 2019. The Commission states that the extension is crucial for protecting the EU's e-bike industry, which employs 12,000 people directly and plays a vital role in the EU's green transition and sustainable mobility efforts.

International Trade weekly highlights—23 January 2025

This week's edition of International Trade weekly highlights includes: President Donald Trump kicking off an overhaul of the USA trade system, the Permanent Court of Arbitration announcing the hearing schedule for UK-EU sandeel fishing arbitration, the European Commission initiating an action against Chinese tech patent royalties at the World Trade Organization and imposing anti-dumping duties on Chinese erythritol imports, and a weekly roundup of HMRC import, export and customs guidance.

WTO: EU initiates dispute with China over SEP licensing practices

The World Trade Organization has reported that the European Union has requested consultations with China regarding Chinese courts' authority to determine worldwide licensing conditions for standard essential patents (SEPs). The EU contends that Chinese legal provisions allowing courts to set global royalty rates without both parties' consent violate the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Agreement. This request formally initiates a WTO dispute, related to an earlier case concerning intellectual property rights enforcement in China. The consultation phase provides an opportunity for resolution before potential panel adjudication.

View International Trade by content type :

News