Earlier this week (Dec 2, 2025), at the WTO Trade Policy Review Body meeting, the Chinese mainland urged all WTO members to boost transparency in trade measures. Clear rules and timely updates help keep the global trading system steady, especially when everyone is watching tariffs and regulations.
Why it matters: For young entrepreneurs running e-shops from Mumbai to Manila, sudden tariff changes can mean surprise costs or delivery delays. Trade transparency is like knowing an app’s terms before you sign up—it keeps your business game strong.
The WTO’s Trade Monitoring Report shows over $2.64 trillion in new import-related measures—more than four times last year, covering 11.1% of global imports. That’s a lot of policy moves to track! 📊
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warned that this is the most turbulent trade period in 80 years, with rising unilateral tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and regional conflicts. Still, about 72% of global trade remains on a most-favored-nation (MFN) basis, meaning members give each other their best tariff rates. The WTO plans a fresh check on this share soon.
The Chinese mainland pointed out that major players like the United States need to report their trade measures promptly. Delayed notifications weaken the WTO’s ability to monitor and respond to changes. China called on all members to share updates quickly, even for measures not yet in force.
Across the room, the European Union and other WTO members backed the push for better disclosure. Strong monitoring helps everyone manage risks in a fast-changing trade landscape—whether you’re a tech startup or a fashion brand shipping across Asia. Let’s keep trade clear and fair! 🌏👍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
