WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
8 July 2019  
(19-4518) Page: 1/138 
Trade Policy Review Body   
 
  
REPORT OF THE TPRB FROM THE DIRECTOR -GENERAL ON  
TRADE -RELATED DEVELOPMENTS  
(MID-OCTOBER  2018 TO MID -MAY 2019) 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
KEY FINDINGS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  2 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 6 
1   INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  8 
2   RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMEN TS ................................ ......................  10 
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 10 
2.2   Economic developments  ................................ ................................ .............................. 11 
2.3   Merchandise trade  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......12 
2.4   Trade in commercial services  ................................ ................................ ....................... 16 
2.5   Trade forecast and economic outlook  ................................ ................................ ............ 18 
3   TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY DEVEL OPMENTS  ................................ ..............  22 
3.1   Overview of trends identified during the period under review  ................................ ........... 22 
3.1.1    Measures facilitating trade  ................................ ................................ ........................ 23 
3.1.2    Trade remedy actions  ................................ ................................ ............................... 25 
3.1.3   Other trade and trade -related measures  ................................ ................................ .....26 
3.2   Trade -Remedies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 30 
3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  ................................ ................................ ........... 40 
3.4   Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)  ................................ ................................ ................. 47 
3.5   Trade Concerns Raised in Other WTO Bodies  ................................ ................................ ..55 
3.6   Policy Developments in Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ............... 62 
3.7   General Economic Support  ................................ ................................ ........................... 70 
3.8   Other Selected Trade Policy Developments  ................................ ................................ ....71 
4   POLICY DEVELOPME NT IN TRADE IN SERVI CES ................................ ........................  79 
5   POLICY DEVELOPME NTS IN TRADE IN INTE LLECTUAL PROPERT Y .............................  86 
ANNEX 1 – MEASURES F ACILITATING TRADE  ................................ ................................  89 
ANNEX 2 - TRADE REME DIES  ................................ ................................ ..........................  95 
ANNEX 3 - OTHER TRAD E-RELATED MEASURES  ................................ ............................  107  
ANNEX 4 – MEASURES A FFECTING TRADE IN SE RVICES  ................................ ..............  114  
 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  KEY FINDINGS  
• This Report covers new trade and trade -related measures implemented by WTO Members 
between 16 October 2018 and 15 May 2019. During  this period  trade  tensions  continued  to 
dominate  the headlines  and added  to the uncertainty  surrounding  international  trade  and the 
world  economy.  
• The Report  provides  evidence  that this turbulence  is continuing.  The previous  period  saw a 
record  level of new restrictiv e measures  introduced.  Most of these  measures  remain  in place 
and have now been added  to by a series  of new measures  in the current  period  which  are also 
of a historically  high level.  
• The trade  coverage  of import -restrictive  measures  during  the period  is estimated  at 
USD 339.5  billion.  This is the second -highest  figure  on record,  after the USD 588.3  billion  
reported  in the previous  period.  Together  these  two periods  represent  a dramatic  spike in the 
trade  coverage  of import -restrictive  measures.  The downwar d trend  identified  between  
mid-October  2014 and mid-October  2017 has been replaced  with a steep  increase  in the trade  
coverage  of import -restrictive  measures.   
• The Report  also notes  that several  significant  trade -restrictive  measures,  which  fall outside  of 
the review  period,  remain  under  consultation  for potential  later implementation.  This further  
compounds  the challenges  faced  by governments,  businesses  and consumers  in the current  
global  economic  environment.  
• In terms of the number of measures introduced , WTO Members implemented 38 new 
trade -restrictive measures during the review period including tariff increases, import bans, 
special safeguards, import taxes and export duties. While fewer measures were introduced 
during this review period than in previou s periods, the scale of those measures is much 
increased in terms of their trade coverage and the level of tariffs imposed.  Trade measures 
implemented by G20 economies account for the overwhelming share of the trade coverage of 
import -restrictive measures recorded in this Report.  
• WTO Members also implemented 47 new measures aimed at facilitating trade during the 
review period, including eliminating or reducing import tariffs, eliminating or simplifying 
customs procedures for exports and reducing import taxe s. The trade coverage of the 
import -facilitating measures implemented during the review period was estimated at 
USD 398.2 billion.  
• The monthly  average  of 14 initiations  of trade  remedy  actions  during  the review  period  is the 
lowest  registered  since 2012.  The trade  coverage  of trade remedy  initiations  (USD  20.2 billion)  
has fallen  significantly  compared  to the previous  period.  The trade  coverage  of trade  remedy  
terminations  recorded  in the review  period  (USD  16.4 billion)  has also fallen  compared  to the 
previous  Report.  
• This Report  highlights  the continuing  challenges  in global  trade.  Collectively,  WTO Members  
must follow  through  on their commitment  to trade  and to the rules-based  international  trading  
system  and work together  urgently  to ease trade  tensions  and to improve  and strengthen  the 
WTO.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period  (not 
cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the mea sures (i.e. annual imports of 
the products concerned from economies affected by the measures) introduced during each reporting 
period and not the impact of the trade measures. The chart provides a snapshot of the new measures 
introduced in each period, not  the cumulative impact of the measures introduced over time.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period  (not 
cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade cov erage of the measures (i.e. annual imports of 
the products concerned from economies affected by the measures) and not the impact of the trade 
measures. Liberalization associated with the 2015 Expansion of the WTO's Information Technology 
Agreement is not i ncluded in the figures.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
201 214228
101
79588
340
0100200300400500600
mid-Oct12-
mid-Oct13mid-Oct13-
mid-Oct14mid-Oct14-
mid-Oct15mid-Oct15-
mid-Oct16mid-Oct16-
mid-Oct17mid-Oct17-
mid-Oct18mid-Oct18-
mid-May19
Import-restrictive Trendline (2-period moving average)Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period (not cumulative)
(USD billion)
2581,183
170249
169296398
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
mid-Oct12-
mid-Oct13mid-Oct13-
mid-Oct14mid-Oct14-
mid-Oct15mid-Oct15-
mid-Oct16mid-Oct16-
mid-Oct17mid-Oct17-
mid-Oct18mid-Oct18-
mid-May19
Import-facilitating Trendline (2-period moving average)Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period (not 
cumulative)
(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Trade -restrictive measures  
(Average per month)  
 
Note:  Values are rounded. Changes to averages of previous years reflect continuing fine -tuning of, and 
updates to, the TMDB.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade -facilitating measures  
(Average per month)  
 
Note:  Values are rounded. Changes to averages of previous years reflect continuing fine -tuning of, and 
updates to, the TMDB.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
14 15 
14 19 
12 
10 11 11 
5 
0510152025
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 mid-Oct17 to
mid-Oct18mid-Oct18 to
mid-May19Chart KF1   Trade -restrictive measures
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Note:  Values are rounded. Changes to averages of previous years reflect continuing fine tuning of, and updates to, the 
TMDB.
17
121621
16
121314
7
0510152025
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 mid-Oct17 to
mid-Oct18mid-Oct18 to
mid-May19Chart KF2   Trade -facilitating measures
Source:   WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Note:   Values are rounded. Changes to averages of previous years reflect continuing fine tuning of, and update to, the 
TMDB.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  WTO trade remedies initiations and terminations  
(Average per month)  
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019  
(By number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  2017 figures. ITA expansion measures are not included.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.   
21 28 
25 
23 29 
25 
22 25 
14 17 
16 18 18 
15 
13 19 
18 
16 
 - 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 mid-Oct17 to 
mid-Oct18mid-Oct18 to 
mid-May19
Initiations avg per month Terminations avg per monthChart KF3   WTO trade remedies initiations and terminations
Source:  WTO Secretariat.(Average per month)
Note:  Values are rounded.
99 112 47 38 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measures296Chart KF4   Trade measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019
Source:  WTO Secretariat(By number)
20 16 398 340 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measuresUSD 774Chart KF5  Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -
May 2019
Source: WTO Secretariat.(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  
This WTO Trade Monitoring Report covers  new trade and trade -related  measures  implemented  by 
WTO Members  between  16 October  2018 and 15 May 2019.1  
World trade growth slowed in the second half of 2018, particularly toward the end of the year as 
trade tensions remained high and GDP growth weakened in major economies.  Leading trade -related 
indicators suggested that trade would continue to lose momentum in the first half of 2019. In its 
most recent trade forecast of 2 April 2019, the WTO Secretariat estimated that merchandise trade 
volume growth would slow from 3.0% in 2018 to 2.6% in 2019 before rebounding to 3.0% in 2020. 
Risks to the forecast were cons idered to be mostly on the downside, with rising trade tensions 
foremost among them. The uncertainty about trade policy is likely to reduce investment and weigh 
negatively on world trade and output.  
This Report shows that WTO Members applied 38 new trade -restrictive measures during the review 
period mainly through tariff increases, import bans, special safeguards, import taxes and export 
duties. This equates to an average of just above five restrictiv e measures per month, which is the 
lowest average since 2012.  While  fewer  measures  were introduced  during  this review  period  than 
previous  periods,  the scale of those  measures  in terms  of tariff coverage  and tariffs  imposed  is much  
increased.  The trade cov erage for the new import -restrictive measures is estimated at 
USD 339.5  billion . This is the second  highest  figure  on record,  after the USD 588.3  billion  reported  
in the previous  period.  Together  these  two periods  represent  a dramatic  spike in the trade  coverage  
of import -restrictive  measures.  
During the review period covered by this Report trade tensions continued to dominate the headlines 
and added to the uncertainty surrounding international trade and the world economy. The Report 
provides evidence that this turbulence is continuing, with trade flows being hit by new trade 
restrictions on a historically high level. The trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures 
introduced by WTO Members during this period was 44% above the average since October 201 2 
when the Report started including trade coverage figures.  The Report also notes that several 
significant trade -restrictive measures either will be implemented shortly after the period covered by 
this Report or remain under consultation for potential late r implementation, suggesting that the 
precarious situation in global trade will persist.  
WTO Members also implemented 47 new measures aimed at facilitating trade duri ng the review 
period, including eliminating or reducing import tariffs, eliminating or sim plifying customs procedures 
for exports and reducing import taxes. At almost seven new trade -facilitating measures per month, 
this is the lowest monthly average registered since 2012. The trade coverage of the 
import -facilitating measures implemented durin g the review period was estimated at 
USD 398.2  billion . This is almost 3 % above the average since October 2012.  
During  the review  period,  and for the first time since 2012,  the number  of terminations  of trade 
remedy  investigations  by WTO Members  outpaced  the number  of initiations  of trade  remedy  actions.  
The current  Report  recorded  16 trade  remedy  terminations  per month  and 14 trade  remedy  
initiations,  with the latter  being  the lowest  monthly  average  registered  since 2012.  Initiations  of 
anti-dumping  investigations  continue  to be the most frequent  trade  remedy  action,  accounting  for 
three -quarters  of all initiations.  The trade  coverage  of trade  remedy  initiations  recorded  in this 
Report  is estimated  at USD 20.2 billion  and that of trade  remedy  terminations  at USD 16.4 billion.  
With respect to general economic support measures, the Secretariat received limited information by 
fewer WTO Members compared to the previous review period. High -profile international 
infrastructure programs which specifically have a t rade component were not reported as part of the 
trade monitoring exercise and neither were large -scale subsidies to boost the exports of specific 
economic sectors. From the scarce information received from Members , and from the research 
undertaken by the S ecretariat, the current review period has confirmed that the strategic application 
of trade policy measures in the shape of, for example, financial support or economic guarantees 
remains an important feature of international trade. Discussions at the TPRB in December 2018 
reinforced the need for clearer guidance as to how the Secretariat should cover the general economic 
support measures in the Trade Monitoring Reports.  
                                                
1 Unless otherwise indicated in the relevant Section.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  A range of other subjects are also covered by this Report. WTO Members continued to not ify Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) measures at a pace similar  to the 
previous period, with most new notifications submitted by developing Members. The SPS and TBT 
notification obligations are meant to promote enhance d predictability and transparency regarding 
measures taken to address legitimate policy objectives. As in previous Reports, the majority of 
regular SPS notifications related to food safety, whereas the bulk of emergency SPS measures 
related to animal healt h. The majority of TBT measures indicated the protection of human health or 
safety as their main objective. In both the SPS and TBT Committees, WTO Members have dedicated 
considerable time to discussing Specific Trade Concerns (STCs), suggesting an increas ing use of the 
Committees as forums in which trade  concerns may be resolved non -litigiously.  
The Report  provides  further  evidence of the increase of trade concerns raised in various other WTO 
bodies during the review period. Compared to the last Report, th e number of trade concerns raised 
per meeting has increased on average by almost 30% in the current period. A large number of these 
were raised in successive meetings of the same Committee/Council and also in more than one WTO 
body, suggesting that these c oncerns address persistent problems and involve technically complex 
and cross -cutting issues.  
In the area of agriculture, WTO Members continued to make use of the Committee on Agriculture 
(CoA) as a forum to discuss agricultural policies and issues related  to the implementation of 
commitments. WTO Members continued asking questions on individual notifications and under Article 
18.6 of the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). The majority of these questions addressed domestic 
support notifications and domestic su pport policies. The average number of questions raised under 
Article 18.6 per meeting has been increasing since 2011 reaching an average of more than 
40 questions per meeting in 2018, an all -time high. In the first CoA meeting of 2019, Members 
raised a tot al of 39 questions. WTO Members continue to take steps towards the implementation of 
the December 2015 Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition. Several Members with 
scheduled export subsidy reduction commitments have taken steps to modify their schedules 
pursuant to this Decision.  
The WTO dispute  settlement  system  continued  to receive  considerable  attention  during  the review  
period,  primarily  related  to the impasse  over the appointment  of new Appellate  Body members.  The 
Report  shows  that althoug h the dispute  settlement  system  remains  under  pressure,  WTO Members  
continue  to resort  to it as a means  of resolving  their trade  disputes.  During  the review  period,  the 
level of dispute  settlement  activity  remained  high and the number  of WTO Members  reques ting 
consultations  in new disputes  increased.   
Work on the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement continues to advance. Many 
Members concluded their domestic ratification processes, raising the total number of acceptances to 
about 87% of the entire WTO Membership.  
On trade  in services,  many new measures were introduced by WTO  Members and Observers. Most 
of the se were trade -facilitating, although a number of the new policies appear ed to be 
trade -restricti ng, including measures affecting co mmunication and network -enabled services and 
policies pertaining to the review of foreign investment in certain areas considered strategic.  
The Report also draws attention to developments in Trade -Related  Aspects  of Intellectual  Property  
Rights  (TRIPS) , including the strengthening link between intellectual property (IP) and trade and the 
development and diversification of national policies to streamline IP into the economy. During the 
review period, WTO Members continued  to modernise  and fine-tune their IP legislation  and 
administration.   
Following MC11, work continued throughout the first half of 2019 to advance negotiations on 
fisheries subsidies, building on the decision taken by Members in Buenos Aires. Groups of Members 
also continued to pursue thei r discussions on other issues, including electronic commerce, 
investment facilitation and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).  
 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
1.1.  This Monitoring Report1 reviews trade and trade -related developments during the period 
16 October 2018 to 15  May 2019.2 It is a mid -year preparatory contribution to the annual report by 
the Director -General provided for in paragraph (g) of the Trade Policies Review Mechanism (TPRM) 
mandate which aims to assist the TPRB in undertaking an annual ov erview of developments  in the 
international trading environment that are having an impact on the multilateral trading system.  
1.2.  This Report is intended to be purely factual and is issued under the sole responsibility of the 
Director -General. It has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of Members, nor does it have 
any legal implication with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the Report with any 
WTO Agreement or any provision thereof (see Box 1 .2 below ). 
1.3.  Section 2 of the Report provides an overview of recent economic and trade trends. Section  3 
presents an account of selected trade and trade -related policy developments during the review 
period. Policy developments in trade in services and trade in intellectual property are included in 
Sections 4 and 5, respectively. Annexes to the Report list specific trade policy measures of individual 
Members implemented during the period under review in four categories: trade -facilitating measures 
(Annex  1); trade remedy actions (Annex 2); other trade a nd trade -related measures (Annex 3); and 
services measures (Annex 4). The country -specific measures listed in the four annexes are new 
measures implemented by Members and Observers during the period under review.3 Measures 
implemented outside this period a re not included in these annexes.  The compilation of all measures 
recorded by the trade -monitoring reports since October  2008 is available in the Trade Monitoring 
Database.4 
1.4.  Specific developments related to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures and Tec hnical 
Barriers to Trade (TBT) are covered separately under Section 3.  
1.5.  Information on the measures included in this Report has been collected from inputs submitted 
by Members and Observers, as well as from other official and public sources. Replies to the  
Director -General's request for information on measures taken during the period under review were 
received from 69 Members5, which represents 42% of the membership and covers 90.5% of world 
imports.6 One Observer also replied to the request for information. The WTO Secretariat has drawn 
on these replies, as well as on a variety of other sources, to prepare this Report. Country -specific 
information was sent for verification to 100 delegations.  Participatio n in the verification process 
remained uneven, and in several instances the Secretariat received only partial responses.7 Where 
it has not been possible to confirm the information, this is noted in the Annexes.  
1.6.  The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and  Development ( OECD ) has contributed 
two topical boxes to this Report. The first focuses on non -tariff measures and trade. The second 
deals with fisheries subsidies . The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has contributed a box on the 
drivers of bilateral tra de balances and spill -overs from tariffs.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) 
has provided a box on the importance of trade finance . 
                                                
1 The previous WTO Trade Monitoring Report presented to the TPRB ( WTO document WT/TPR/OV/2 1, 
27 November  2018) covered measures taken over the period from mid -October 201 7 to mid -October 201 8. 
The WTO trade monitoring reports have been prepared by the WTO Secretariat since 2009. On 24 June 2019 , 
the WTO Secretariat, together with the Secretariats of  the OECD and UNCTAD, issued a report on trade and 
investment measures implemented by G20 economies during the period mid -October 2018  to mid -May 2019 
(available on the WTO website).  
2 Unless otherwise indicated in the relevant section . In addition to the trade policy measures 
implemented during the period under review and captured by this Report, other actions which impact trade 
flows may have been taken by WTO Members.  
3 The in clusion of any measure in this R eport or in  its annexes implies no judgement by  the 
WTO Secretariat on whether such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in this 
Report implies any judgement, either direct or indirect, as to the consistency of any measure referred to in the 
Report with the provisions o f any WTO Agreement.  
4 Measures listed in Annexes 1, 2 and 3 to this Report will feature in the TMDB after the informal 
meeting of the TPRB on 2 2 July 201 9. Information available at: http://tmdb.wto.org .  
5 The European Union and its member States counted separately.  
6 This figure includes intra -EU trade.  
7 The information contained in the annexes reflects the overall participation in the exercise and 
responses to the verification request and should therefore not be considered exhaustive.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Box 1.1 Participation in the preparation of this Report  
Afghanistan  
Albania  
Argentina  
Australia  
Brazil  
Canada  
Chile 
China  
Colombia  
Costa Rica  
Dominican Republic  
Egypt  
European Union (28)  
The Gambia  
Georgia  Guatemala  
Hong Kong, China  
India 
Indonesia  
Iraq, Rep. ofa 
Japan  
Korea, Republic  of 
Mauritius  
Mexico  
Montenegro  
Myanmar  
New Zealand  
Norway  
Peru 
Philippines  Russian Federation  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Seychelles  
Singapore  
South Africa  
Switzerland  
Chinese Taipei  
Thailand  
Turkey  
Ukraine  
United States of America  
Uruguay  
a Observer.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Box 1.2 About the WTO trade monitoring report  
The Trade Monitoring Report is first and foremost a transparency exercise. It is intended to be purely factual 
and has no legal effect on the rights and obligations of WTO Members. It is w ithout prejudice to Members' 
negotiating positions and has no legal implication with respect to the conformity of any measure noted in the 
Report with any WTO Agreement or any provision thereof.  
The Report aims to shed light on the latest trends in the im plementation of a broad range of policy measures 
that facilitate as well as restrict the flow of trade and provide an update on the state of global trade. The 
Report neither seeks to pronounce itself on whether a trade measure is protectionist, nor does it  question the 
right of Members to take certain trade measures. The Reports continue to evolve in terms of the coverage 
and analysis of trade -related issues and take into account discussions among WTO Members in the Trade 
Policy Review Body (TPRB).  
Regardin g trade remedy actions, it has been highlighted in discussions among WTO Members that some of 
these measures are taken to address what is perceived by some as a market distortion resulting from trade 
practices of entities in another trading partner. The WT O Anti -dumping and Subsidies Agreements permit 
WTO Members to impose anti -dumping (AD) or countervailing (CVD) duties to offset what is perceived to be 
injurious dumping or subsidization of products exported from one Member to another. The Reports are not in 
a position to establish if, where or when such perceived distortive practices have taken place. The Reports 
have never categorized the use of trade remedies as protectionist, or WTO -inconsistent, or criticized 
governments for utilizing them. The main ob jective of monitoring these measures is to provide additional 
transparency and to identify emerging trends in the application of trade policy measures.  
With respect to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) measures covered in 
the Report, it is important to emphasize that they are neither classified nor counted as trade -restrictive or 
trade -facilitating, and the increasing trend with respect to the number of notifications of such measures is 
carefully linked to the transparen cy provisions of the Agreements only. The Reports have consistently 
underlined the basic premise that an increased number of SPS and TBT notifications does not automatically 
imply greater use of protectionist or unnecessarily trade -restrictive measures, bu t rather enhanced 
transparency regarding these measures. Finally, the Reports clearly emphasize that the SPS and 
TBT Agreements specifically allow Members to take measures in the pursuit of a number of legitimate policy 
objectives.  
The WTO Secretariat str ives to ensure that the Trade Monitoring Reports are factual and objective. Since 
2009, the Reports have sought to provide a nuanced perspective to developments in the area of international 
trade. For example,  the Reports  have consistently  emphasized  that although  the number  of specific  and often 
long-term restrictive  trade measures  remains  a source  of serious  concern,  other  key factors  may influence  
trade developments.  During discussions of the Trade Monitoring Reports at the TPRB, Members have also 
drawn attention to this point and to the fact that, with respect to both, vigilance remains imperative.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  2  RECENT ECONOMIC AND TRADE DEVELOPMENTS  
2.1  Overview  
2.1.  World trade growth continued to face strong headwinds during the re view period, as trade 
tensions and economic uncertainty remained high. Year -on-year growth in the volume of world 
merchandise trade fell from 3.9% in the first half of 2018 to 2.7% in the second half. The slowdown 
became more pronounced toward s the end of the year, as relatively strong quarterly growth in Q3 
was followed by a decline in Q4. Recent monthly trade statistics also point to slow trade growth 
persisting into the first quarter of 2019.  
2.2.  The loss of momentum in trade in the first half of 2018 can be attributed to a number of factors, 
including weaker global economic activity, tighter monetary policy, increased financial volatility, and 
higher tariffs on widely -traded goods in major economies. Increasing trade tensions cannot alone 
explain the t rade slowdown, but they have contributed significantly to it. The uncertainty associated 
with the current trade tensions has the potential to continue to weigh negatively on any forecasts 
on global GDP growth and on world trade.  
2.3.  In 2018, world merchandise trade in value (i.e. USD) terms grew faster than trade in volume 
terms, due to rising export and import prices. Merchandise exports increased 6.5% year -on-year in 
the second half of the year after growing 13.7% in the first half. Exports for the whole year  were up 
10%, to USD  19.48 trillion. Merchandise trade values are strongly influenced by exchange rates and 
prices of primary commodities, particularly energy products. This was the case in 2018, as fuel prices 
rose and fell over the course of the year.  
2.4.  Commercial services exports (also measured in USD) were up less sharply than merchandise 
trade in the second half of 2018, around 3.5%. For the year as a whole, services exports increased 
by 7.7% to USD  5.80 trillion. The category of "Other commercial servic es", including financial and 
other business services, made the largest contribution to growth for the year, accounting for more 
than half of the total increase.  
2.5.  There are no quarterly statistics for gross domestic product (GDP) at the world level, but OECD  
estimates of G20 economies provide a close approximation. Taken together, these economies saw 
their output increase at an average annualized rate of 3.2% in the second half of 2018, down from 
3.6% in the first half. The slowdown was broad -based, affecting  the European Union, the 
United  States, Japan, and China to varying degrees.  
2.6.  Weaker economic growth prompted central banks and governments to adopt more 
expansionary fiscal and monetary policies in order to avoid a sharper downturn. Looser policy from 
the Federal Reserve may have helped the United States achieve a healthy 3.2% rate of GDP growth 
in Q1, up from 2.2% in the previous quarter. GDP growth in the European Union also picked up, 
from an annualized rate of 1.2% in Q4 to 1.9% in Q1. While China's GD P continued to moderate in 
Q1, the country remains on track to achieve growth of around 6% for the whole of 2019.  
2.7.  The pace of global trade growth is expected to slow further in 2019 before possibly picking up 
in 2020. According to the Secretariat's trade f orecast of 2 April 2019, world merchandise trade 
volume will increase by 2.6% in 2019, accompanied by GDP growth of 2.6% at market exchange 
rates. If first quarter results are weak, as expected, trade may need to grow faster in the remainder 
of the year to  reach the forecast value. Trade growth should pick up to 3.0% in 2020, accompanied 
by steady GDP growth of 2.6%.  
2.8.  Risks to the forecast are considerable, and are predominantly on the downside. More 
expansionary monetary policy could stoke inflation and le ad to unexpected interest rate hikes. 
Unresolved Brexit issues could increase uncertainty. Most importantly, escalating trade tensions and 
associated cycles of retaliation would reduce the outlook for both world trade and output.  
2.9.  The uncertainty generated  by current trade disputes is likely to discourage investment, as 
producers revise production plans and consumers postpone major purchases. Reduced investment 
tends to weigh on world trade growth due to the high import content of this category of spending.  
Changes in the trade environment could also lead to greater financial volatility, as markets react to 
new circumstances.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 11 - 
 
  2.2  Economic developments  
2.10.   After several years of lacklustre expansion, the volume of world merchandise trade grew 4.6% 
in 2017. The streng th of the increase suggested that trade might be regaining some of its earlier 
momentum, but in 2018 trade growth fell back to 3.0%, once again in line with GDP. The recent 
weakness of trade may be partly explained by slowing economic growth in the Europea n Union, 
which has a higher share in world trade than in world output due to the counting of intra -EU trade 
in world totals, and by Asia, which has a high share of intra -regional trade in its exports and imports 
as a result of regional supply chains.  
2.11.   Trade  and output may have also been influenced by temporary shocks in the review period, 
including the Federal Government shutdown in the United States and production issues in the 
automotive sector in Germany. The effects of these shocks are likely to be trans itory, causing 
consumers and businesses to postpone purchases and production decisions rather than cancelling 
them outright. The impact of a wider trade conflict would likely be more serious and long -lasting, 
although some third countries might gain from s upplying goods that are subject to higher tariffs.  
2.12.   Commodity prices and exchange rates strongly influence nominal trade statistics, which are 
usually priced in USD. Recent exchange rate developments are illustrated by Chart  2.1, which shows 
effective excha nge rate indices for selected economies through April 2019. The US  dollar was up 
6.5% year -on-year in April, partly as a result of monetary tightening that has since been put on 
hold. Other major currencies were quite stable over the last year, with the euro, pound Sterling, 
Japanese yen, and Chinese yuan each rising or falling less than 2% on average. In contrast, some 
developing countries suffered sharp depreciations in their currencies in the last year, including 
Argentina ( -49.3%) and Turkey ( -24.2%).  
Chart 2.1 Nominal effective exchange rate indices for selected economies, 
January  2014 -April 2019a 
(Index, January 2014 = 100)  
 
a Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.  
Source:  Bank for International Settlements.  
2.13.   Chart 2.2 shows developments in primary commodity prices through April 2019. Fuel prices 
showed the most variation, rising and falling in 2018 and 2019 in line with global economic growth. 
Fuel prices increased b y 14.5% between January and October of last year, as growth appeared to 
be strengthening. Prices then dropped 25% between October and December, as negative economic 
news and political shocks damaged expectations of demand for energy products in the future.  Prices 
gradually recovered between December 2018 and April 2019, rising 16%, but they remain 33% 
below the level of April 2014.  
8090100110120130
United States Japan China Euro area United KingdomChart Coleman.1
Nominal effective exchange rate indices for selected economies, January 2014 -April 2019a
Index, January 2014=100
Source:  Bank for International Settlements (BIS).a   Nominal effective exchange rate indices against a broad basket of currencies.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 12 - 
 
  Chart 2.2 Prices of primary commodities, January 2014 -April 2019  
(Index, January  2014 = 100)  
 
Source:  World Bank Commodity Prices.  
2.3  Merchandise trade  
2.14.   Chart 2.3 shows growth in the USD value of world merchandise trade (red line), as well as 
contributions to trade growth from developed and developing economies (stacked bars). 
Year-on-year growth in world exports has declined from 14.5% in the first quarter of 2018 to 4.0% 
in the fourth quarter. The slowdown was broad -based, affecting developed and developing 
economies alike. Developed economies accounted for about 20% of export growth an d about 50% 
of import growth in Q4.  
2.15.   Chart 2.4 illustrates quarterly merchandise trade volumes by selected exporters and 
importers. Growth since the last Report has been mixed. Developing Asia and Brazil each recorded 
sharp declines in import demand in Q4 following strong performances in Q3. In both cases, the 
volume of imports in Q3 was a record high. Imports of Developing Asia declined by 2.8% 
quarter -on-quarter in Q4, equivalent to an annual rate of 11.0%. On the export side, shipments 
from the United St ates and EU -extra declined slightly ( -0.6% and -1.2%, respectively), while 
shipments from Developing Asia were flat.  
2.16.   Monthly merchandise trade statistics in current USD terms are more timely than quarterly 
statistics in volume terms. These are shown in Ch art 2.5 for selected economies through March, 
depending on data availability. Year -on-year trade growth slumped in the first quarter of 2019 in 
most countries. Exports of the United States were only down slightly in March, -1%, and imports 
were stable. Mea nwhile, Japan's exports were down 7%, while the country's imports dropped 4%. 
China recorded a 14% rise in its exports in March, while its imports declined by 8%. Data for the 
European  Union in March are not available yet, but figures for Germany show expo rts falling 7% and 
imports dropping 4%.  
20406080100120
Food Agricultural raw materials Metals FuelsChart Coleman.2
Prices of primary commodities, January 2014 -April 2019
Indices, January 2014=100
Source:  World Bank C ommodity Price Data.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 13 - 
 
  Chart 2.3 Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and 
imports, 2015Q1 -2018Q4  
(% change in USD values)  
 
a Includes significant re -exports. Als o includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).  
Note:  Due to scarce data availability, Africa and the Middle East are under -represented in world totals.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Sta tistics; the 
Eurostat Comext Database; the Global Trade Atlas database; and national statistics.  
-6,7 -6,3 -6,0 -5,3-2,5-0,1 -0,21,34,6
2,65,36,78,26,7
3,0
0,8
-5,7 -7,0-8,6-6,9-6,3-3,4-1,61,56,9
4,95,66,16,2
6,3
6,0
3,2
-12,3
-13,2
-14,7-12,2-8,8-3,5-1,82,711,5
7,411,012,814,5
13,0
9,1
4,0
-20-15-10-505101520
2015Q1 2015Q2 2015Q3 2015Q4 2016Q1 2016Q2 2016Q3 2016Q4 2017Q1 2017Q2 2017Q3 2017Q4 2018Q1 2018Q2 2018Q3 2018Q4Chart Coleman.3
Contributions to year -on-year growth in world merchandise exports and imports, 2015Q1 -
2018Q4
Source:(% change in USD values)
Notea Includes significant re -exports. Also includes the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Due to scarce data availability, Africa and Middle East are under -represented in world totals.
WTO Secretariat estimates, based on data compiled from IMF International Financial Statistics; Eurostat 
Comext Database; Global Trade Atlas; and national statistics.Developed economies Developing economiesa
World, year -on-year percentage change-6,7-6,8-6,6-5,1-2,6 -0,30,0 0,54,33,15,47,98,7
6,8
3,82,2
-5,4 -5,7 -6,7-6,5-5,4-2,8 -1,91,36,7
4,75,55,56,0
6,0
5,7
2,1
-12,0-12,5-13,3-11,6-8,0-3,2-1,91,811,0
7,810,913,414,7
12,8
9,5
4,4
-20-15-10-505101520
2015Q1 2015Q2 2015Q3 2015Q4 2016Q1 2016Q2 2016Q3 2016Q4 2017Q1 2017Q2 2017Q3 2017Q4 2018Q1 2018Q2 2018Q3 2018Q4Exports
ImportsWT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Chart 2.4 Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 -2018Q4  
(Seasonally -adjusted volume indice s, 2012Q1 = 100)  
 
Note:  Data for the United States, Japan and the European Union were obtained from national statistical 
sources, while figures for Brazil and Developing Asia are seasonally -adjusted Secretariat estimates.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat and UNCT AD. 
708090100110120130140150
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2018Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
United States EU-extra trade EU-intra trade
Developing Asia Brazil JapanChart Coleman.4
Volume of exports and imports of selected economies, 2012Q1 -2018Q4
708090100110120130140150
2012Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2013Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2014Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2015Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2016Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2017Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
2018Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4(Seasonally adjusted volume indices, 2012Q1 = 100)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO Secretariat and UNCTAD.Note: Data for the United States, Japan and the European Union were obtained from national statistical sources, 
while figures for Brazil and Developing Asia are seasonally adjusted Secretariat estimates.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Chart 2.5 Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, 
January  2014-March  2019  
(USD billion)  
 
Chart Coleman.5
Merchandise exports and imports of selected economies, January 2014 -March 2019
United States Japan(USD billion)
European Union (extra -trade) China
Canada Turkey050100150200250300
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-190102030405060708090
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19
050100150200250
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19050100150200250
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19
0102030405060
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-1905101520
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19Australia Republic of Korea
051015202530354045
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-190510152025
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19
05101520
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19Indonesia
0510152025
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19BrazilWT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 16 - 
 
   
Source:  IMF International Financial Statistics, Global Trade Information Services, the Global Trad e Atlas 
database, and national statistics.  
2.4  Trade in commercial services  
2.17.   Commercial services trade has become increasingly unbalanced, with divergent trends 
appearing across countries in the second half of 2018. This is illustrated by Chart 2.6, which shows 
services exports and imports of selected economies from 2017Q4 to 2018Q 4. In the fourth quarter 
of 2018, China and India continued to record strong year -on-year growth in export values (+12.9% 
and +12.5%, respectively), while other selected economies saw exports stagnate (e.g.  growth of 
0% for EU -extra trade) or decline (e.g.  -4.5% for Japan, and -2.4% for Brazil). A similar pattern 
emerges on the import side, with China and India expanding and others weakening. The fact that 
Russian Federation India
MalaysiaViet Nam
Mexico Argentina
Imports ExportsChart Coleman.5 (continued)
01020304050
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-1905101520253035404550
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19
024681012
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19South Africa
010203040
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19Singapore
0510152025
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-190100200300400500600
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19
01020304050
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19012345678
Jan-14 Jan-15 Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18 Jan-19WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 17 - 
 
  currencies such as the USD, the euro and the yen were relatively stable during this period suggests 
that some of the declines reflect real changes in activity rather than changes in prices.  
Chart 2.6 Commercial services' exports and imports of selected economies,  
2017Q4 -2018Q4  
(year -on-year % change in current USD values)  
 
Source:  WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats.   
2.18.   The category of other commercial services, which includes financial services and other 
business services, contributes disproportionately to services trade, due to its large weight in country 
and w orld totals. Year -on-year growth in extra -EU exports of other commercial services slowed to 
-10-5051015202530
United States European Union
(extra)Japan China India Brazil Russian
FederationChart Coleman.6
Commercial services' exports and imports of selected economies, 2017Q4 -2018Q4
-10-5051015202530
United States European Union
(extra)Japan China India Brazil Russian
Federation(Year -on-year % change in current USD values)
Exports
Imports
Source: WTO and UNCTAD Secretariats.2018Q3 2017Q4 2018Q1 2018Q2 2018Q4WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 18 - 
 
  0% in Q4, after recording double -digit growth earlier in the year (15% in Q1 and 10% in Q2). Exports 
of other commercial services from the United States slowed less  dramatically, from 7% in Q1 to 3% 
in Q4. Japan's exports of other commercial services contracted by 4% in Q4, while China's increased 
by 19%.  
2.5  Trade forecast and economic outlook  
2.19.   The Secretariat issued its most recent trade forecast on 2 April 2019 (Table 2.1). If current 
GDP forecasts are realized, the volume of world merchandise trade should grow by 2.6% in 2019, 
with stronger growth in developing countries (3.4% for exports, 3.6% for imports) than in developed 
ones (2.1% for exports, 1.9% for imports). T rade growth should pick up slightly in 2020 to 3%, with 
growth in developing countries (3.7% for exports, 3.9% for imports) outpacing developed economies 
(2.5% for exports, 1.9% for imports).  Box 2.1 below contains the latest WTO World Trade Outlook 
Indica tor of 20  May 2019.  
2.20.   In recognition of the high degree of uncertainty associated with trade forecasts under current 
conditions, the forecast for 2019 is placed within a range of likely values from 1.3% to 4%. It should 
be noted that trade growth could be be low this range if trade tensions continue to build, or above it 
if they start to ease.  
2.21.   A number of leading economic indicators also provide evidence on the short -term trajectory 
of the world economy. Purchasing Managers Indices (PMIs) based on business sur veys are one such 
indicator. The Global Manufacturing PMI compiled by IHS -Market and JPMorgan dipped to 50.3 in 
April, just above the threshold value of 50 separating expansion from contraction. This suggests that 
economic growth will remain weak into Q2.  
2.22.   Among national PMIs, the reading for the United States was relatively strong (52.6), signalling 
expansion, while values for the euro area (47.9) and Germany (44.4) were weak, indicating 
contraction. China was an intermediate case, with a PMI of 50.2, sugg esting steady if somewhat 
sluggish growth. Overall, these indicators paint a mixed picture of the global economy, with some 
regions growing faster than others.  
2.23.   The New Export Orders component of the Global PMI is a strong leading indicator of trade. 
This i ndex continued to signal contraction in April (49) but at a slower pace than in March  (48.9). 
Air freight statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are another useful early 
gauge of world trade. Industry -wide freight -tonne kilometr es (FTKs) rebounded in March from their 
depressed level in February, leaving the index in the latest month almost unchanged compared to 
the previous year. These results could indicate that trade may be starting to turn a corner, but any 
firm conclusion wou ld be premature.  
2.24.   Finally, an index of economic policy uncertainty currently stands at 318.1, the second highest 
level ever recorded.1 The index's baseline value of 100 indicates "average" level of uncertainty from 
1997 to 2015. This index has tracked recen t trade tensions closely. Uncertainty discourages 
investment spending, which tends to be the most trade -intensive type of spending due to its high 
import content.   
                                                
1 Viewed at:  www.policyuncertainty.com . WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 19 - 
 
  Box 2.1 The WTO World Trade Outlook Indicator  
The WTO's World Trade Outlook Indicator (WTOI) is a composite leading indicator for world trade that provides 
"real time" information on the trajectory of merchandise trade relative to recent trends. It combines 
information on several key trade -related var iables, including export orders, air freight shipments, container 
port throughput, automobile production/sales, shipments of electronic components and shipments of 
agricultural raw materials. An index reading of 100 denotes growth in line with medium -term trends. Values 
greater than 100 indicate above -trend growth, while those less than 100 suggest the opposite.  
The overall WTOI dipped below its baseline value of 100 in November of 2018 and remained firmly below 
trend in February and May 2019, signalling we ak trade growth toward the end of last year and into the first 
half of this year. Available trade statistics suggest that actual trade volumes did indeed decline during this 
period.  
In the latest WTOI release of 20 May 2019, five out of six component indic es were below trend, and all but 
two were declining. Indices for international air freight (92.3), automobile production and sales (92.2), and 
agricultural raw materials (92.4) fell further below trend. The index for container port throughput (101.0) also 
declined but remained above 100, suggesting growth in line with recent trends. Export orders (96.6) and 
electronic components (96.7) showed signs of bottoming out, even as both remained firmly below trend.  
These results are broadly in line with the latest WTO trade forecast of 2 April 2019, which showed merchandise 
trade volume growth slowing to 2.6% in 2019 from 3% in 2018 amid substantial downside risks. It should be 
noted that the trade forecast and the WTOI do not reflect recent major trade measures imp osed by major 
economies. The outlook for world trade could deteriorate further if trade tensions are not reduced or if 
macroeconomic policy fails to adjust to changing circumstances.  
  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Table 2.1 Merchandise trade volume and real GDP growth, 2015 -20  
(Annual % change)  
  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019a 2020a 
Volume of world merchandise tradeb 2.3 1.6 4.6 3.0 2.6 3.0 
Exports        
Developed economies  2.4 1.0 3.6 2.1 2.1 2.5 
Developing economiesc 1.7 2.3 5.6 3.5 3.4 3.7 
North America  1.1 0.3 4.2 4.3 2.7 3.7 
South and Central America and the Caribbean  -0.4 0.7 3.0 0.6 0.7 1.0 
Europe  2.9 1.2 3.7 1.6 1.8 2.0 
Asia 1.4 2.3 6.8 3.8 3.7 4.1 
Other regionsd 3.2 2.9 1.6 2.7 3.4 3.1 
Imports        
Developed economies  4.2 2.0 3.3 2.5 1.9 1.9 
Developing economiesc 0.6 1.3 6.8 4.1 3.6 3.9 
North America  5.4 0.1 4.0 5.0 3.6 2.5 
World Trade Outlook Indicator 96.3 Drivers of trade
(Index, trend = 100) Level of Direction
Index of change
Merchandise trade volume (Q4) 100.2
Export orders 96.6
International air freight (IATA) 92.3
Container port throughput 101.0
Automobile production and sales 92.2
Electronic components 96.7
Agricultural raw materials 92.4
WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 20 - 
 
    2015  2016  2017  2018  2019a 2020a 
South and Central America and the Caribbean  -8.4 -8.8 4.6 5.2 2.6 5.8 
Europe  3.5 3.1 2.9 1.1 1.0 2.1 
Asia 3.9 3.6 8.3 5.0 4.6 3.7 
Other regionsd -4.3 -1.9 2.5 0.5 0.5 1.9 
Real GDP at market exchange rates  2.8 2.4 3.0 2.9 2.6 2.6 
Developed economies  2.3 1.7 2.3 2.2 1.8 1.7 
Developing economiesc 3.7 3.7 4.3 4.1 4.0 4.3 
North America  2.8 1.6 2.3 2.8 2.5 2.2 
South and Central America and the Caribbean  -0.8 -2.1 0.8 0.6 1.8 2.7 
Europe  2.4 2.0 2.7 2.0 1.1 1.5 
Asia 4.3 4.1 4.5 4.3 4.2 4.0 
Other regionsd 1.2 2.2 1.9 2.2 2.4 2.6 
a Figures for 201 9 and 20 20 are projections.  
b Average of exports and imports.  
c Includes the CIS, including associate and former member States.  
d Other regions comprise Africa, Middle East and CIS.  
Sources:  WTO Secretariat for trade, consensus estimates for GDP.  
2.25.   The following Box takes a look  at the potential costs associated with a global trade war 
scenario.  
Box 2.2 A global trade war  – potential costs  
The series of trade actions triggered by US tariffs on steel and aluminium products and on China' s exports to 
the United  States, and the responses by US trade partners to those actions, contributed to a significant 
increase in the value of trade affected by trade -restrictive measures as reported in the November  2018 
WTO Trade Monitoring Report. These tariff increases roiled financial markets but have yet to lead to significant 
trade and GDP impacts. The danger, though, is that current trade tensions could escalate further, entangling 
more WTO  Members and covering more sectors.  
Some recent research poi nts to the potentially high economic cost of a full -blown trade war (Bekkers and Teh, 
2019). Trade war is described in the study as a worst case scenario where international trade cooperation 
breaks down and countries set tariffs non -cooperatively. For WTO  Members, this would mean not honouring 
their tariff commitments and setting tariffs that, in most cases, would exceed WTO bindings. It uses the 
estimates from Nicita et al (2018)a, who calculated that a trade war would result in a 32 -percentage point 
increase in the tariff protection faced by the average world exporter.  
Using this estimated increase in world -wide tariffs in a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, 
the study projects that a global trade war which begins in 2019 could, by 2022, lead to a reduction in global 
GDP of about 1.96%, and a reduction in global trade of about 17% compared to the baseline scenario of no 
trade war. Figures 1 and 2 below show how much trade and GDP would be affected in 2022 by a trade war 
relative to the bas eline. To provide some context for these figures, global GDP fell about 2.1% and global 
trade 12.4% at the time of the global financial crisis of 2009.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 21 - 
 
  Figure 1: Value of global trade in trade conflict, 2018 -22 
 
Source:  WTO Global Trade Model simulation r esults.  
Figure 2: Global GDP in trade conflict, 2018 -22 
 
Source: WTO Global Trade Model simulation results.  
Going beyond these reductions in global trade and GDP, the study finds much larger, double -digit sectoral 
production effects in many countries. The  increase in barriers to trade compel a reallocation of resources away 
from their most efficient use based on comparative advantage. Further, these sectoral production changes 
inflict painful adjustments on workers, as they cause substantial labour displac ement. Across the world, an 
average 1.15% and 1.74% of high -skilled and low -skilled workers, respectively, would have to leave their 
initial sector of employment to find jobs elsewhere. In total, this would affect about 69 million workers globally 
who woul d have to find employment elsewhere in the economy.  
Note:  
a Nicita, A., Olarreaga , M. and Silva, P. (2018). "Cooperation in WTO's Tariff Waters?", Journal of Political 
Economy, 126:3, pp. 1302 -1338.  
Source:  Bekkers, E. and Teh, R. (2019). "Potential economic effects of a Global Trade Conflict – Projecting 
the medium -run effects with the WTO Global Trade Model", WTO Staff Working Paper, 
ERSD -2019-04.  
 
 0,80 0,85 0,90 0,95 1,00 1,05 1,10
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
"Baseline" global value of trade (2018=1)
"Trade war" global value of tradeChart TradeWar.1   Value of global trade in trade conflict, 2018 -2022Global value of trade (2018=1)
Source:  WTO Global Trade Model simulation results.
 1,00 1,02 1,04 1,06 1,08 1,10 1,12 1,14 1,16
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
"Baseline" global GDP (2018=1)
"Trade war" global GDPChart TradeWar.2   Global GDP in trade conflict, 2018 -2022Global GDP (2018=1)
Source:  WTO Global Trade Model simulation results.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 22 - 
 
  3  TRADE AND TRADE -RELATED POLICY DEVELOPMENTS  
3.1  Overview of trends identified during the  period under review  
3.1.  The following Section provides analysis of selected trade and trade -related policy developments 
during the review period from 16 October  2018 to 15 May 2019.  Several of the measures referred 
to in this Section were raised in various WT O Councils and Committees during that period. This is 
covered in Section 3.5.  
3.2.  During the review period, trade tensions continued to dominate the headlines, further adding 
to the uncertainty surrounding international trade and the world economy. This mid -year Report 
provides  evidence  that this turbulence  is continuing,  with trade  flows being  hit by new trade 
restrictions  on a historically  high level.  The trade  coverage1 of new import -restrictive  measures  
introduced  by WTO Members  during  this period  was USD 3 39.5 billion , i.e. 44% above the average 
since October 2012 when the Report started including trade coverage figures . This is the second  
highest  figure  on record,  after the USD 588.3  billion  reported  in the previous  period.  The downward  
trend  identified  between  mid-October  2014 and mid-October  2017 has been replaced  with a steep  
increase  in the trade  coverage  of import -restrictive  measures , as can be seen in Chart  3.1. 
Chart 3.1 Trade coverage of new import -restrictive measures in each reporting period 
(not cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the measures (i.e. annual imports of 
the products concerned from economies affected by the measures) introduced during each reporting 
period and not the cumulative impact of the trade measures .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.3.  The Report also notes that several significant trade -restrictive measures either will be 
implemented shortly after the period covered by this Report or remain under consultation for 
potential later implementation, suggesting tha t the precarious situation in global trade will persist. 
Measures which have been announced , but have not yet been implemented , are not included in this 
                                                
1 The trade coverage of a measure is calculated to be the value of annual imports of the specific product 
concerned from countries affected by t he measure. Highly -traded goods may significantly influence the 
estimation of the trade coverage.  
WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 23 - 
 
  Report. The WTO Secretariat will continue to monitor this situation and seek further information on 
these measures, including implementation dates and products covered. Measures implemented after 
15 May 2019 will be covered by the end of the year Report.  
3.4.  The trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures implemented during the review period 
was estimated at USD  398.2 billion, which is almost 3%above the average  since October 2012 
(Chart  3.2). 
Chart 3.2 Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period 
(not cumulative)  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  These figures  are estimates and represent the trade coverage of the measures (i.e. annual imports of 
the products concerned from economies affect ed by the measures) and not the cumulative impact of 
the trade measures. Liberalization associated with the 2015 Expansion of the WTO's Information 
Technology Agreement is not included in the figures.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.5.  A total of 296 trade measures were recorded during the period from mid -October  2018 to 
mid-May 2019 (Chart 3. 3).2 This figure includes measures facilitating trade, trade remedy measures 
and other trade and trade -related measures (restrictive measures)  (Chart 3.3) . 
3.1.1   Measures facilitating  trade  
3.6.  Annex 1 to this Report lists measures which are clearly trade -facilitating.  
3.7.  During the review period, 47 measures aimed at facilitating trade were recorded for 
WTO Members (Table  3.1), including 17 of a temporary nature. This represents 16% of the total 
number of measures recorded. The monthly average of 6.7  trade -facilitating measures recorded for 
the period is the lowest registered since 2012.  
                                                
2 See Annexes 1 -3. These Annexes do not include SPS and TBT measures which are covered in 
Sections  3.3 and 3.4. Services measures are analysed in Section 4 an d are listed in Annex 4.  
2581,183
170249
169296398
02004006008001,0001,2001,400
mid-Oct12-
mid-Oct13mid-Oct13-
mid-Oct14mid-Oct14-
mid-Oct15mid-Oct15-
mid-Oct16mid-Oct16-
mid-Oct17mid-Oct17-
mid-Oct18mid-Oct18-
mid-May19
Import-facilitating Trendline (2-period moving average)Trade coverage of new import -facilitating measures in each reporting period (not 
cumulative)
(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 24 - 
 
  Table 3.1 Measures facilitating trade (Annex 1)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  
Mid-Oct 17 to 
mid-Oct 18  
(WT/TPR/OV/21)  
Mid-Oct 18 to 
mi-May 19  
Import  176 140 176 208 151 115 135 140 40 
- Tariff 154 109 147 165 116 94 111 110 34 
- Customs procedures  12 26 17 32 28 18 14 19 2 
- Tax 2 4 2 6 4 3 7 8 3 
- QRs  7 1 10 5 1 0 3 3 1 
- Other  1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 
Export  17 8 9 40 33 25 18 22 7 
- Duties  7 3 3 18 5 1 6 5 3 
- QRs 8 4 3 3 2 2 0 1 0 
- Other  2 1 3 19 26 22 12 16 4 
Other  6 1 1 4 3 0 0 0 0 
Total  199 149 186 252 187 140 153 162 47 
Average per month  16.6 12.4 15.5 21.0 15.6 11.7 12.8 13.5 6.7 
Note:  Revisions of the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.8.  Table  3.1 shows that the reduction or elimination of import tariffs continues to make up most 
of the trade -facilitating measures, followed by the reduction of import taxes3 and the simplification 
of customs procedures.4 On the export side, the  elimination or simplification of customs procedures5 
and the reduction of export duties  are the most frequent measures recorded .6 
3.9.  The trade coverage of the import -facilitating measures introduced during the review period was 
USD 398.2  billion, i.e. 2.28% of the value of world merchandise imports.7 This is almost 3 % above 
the average since October 2012.  The HS Chapters within which most of the trade -facilitating 
measures were taken include machinery and mechanical appliances (HS  84) 15.6%, electrical 
machin ery and parts thereof (HS  85) 13.9%, copper and articles thereof (HS 74) 8.9%, and plastic 
and articles thereof (HS 39) 7.5% . 
3.10.   Contrary to the previous Reports which reported on the very significant trade coverage of 
measures resulting from the implementation of the ITA Expansion Agreement, the present review 
period includes only one such measure .8 
                                                
3 For example, reduction of VAT on pharmaceutical products, reduction of customs processing fees, and 
elimination of the development board levy.  
4 For example, simplification of administrative customs procedures on electronic proce ssing applications 
for sanitary goods in transit, and the enlargement of operations covered by the single window system for 
foreign trade.  
5 For example, simplification of administrative customs procedures on exports of raw hides, electronic 
processing app lications for sanitary goods in transit, and the enlargement of operations covered by the single 
window system for foreign trade.  
6 For example, reduction of export duties on fish; bones; ores, slag and ash; organic and inorganic 
chemicals; and base metals  and articles of base metals.  
7 The trade coverage calculation includes two measures by China (reduction of import tariffs on 
1,585  tariff lines and interim tariffs) accounting for 87.6% of the total, and two measures by Brazil (reduction 
of import tariffs  on capital goods) accounting for 4%.  
8 Only one import -facilitating measure implemented in the context of the ITA Expansion Agreement by 
the Philippines was recorded. The trade coverage amounted to USD 3.1 billion.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 25 - 
 
  3.1.2   Trade remedy actions9 
3.11.   During the review period, 211 trade remedy actions were recorded ( Table  3.2), i.e. 71% of 
the total of all trade measures captured in this Report.10 An overview of these trade remedy 
measures can be found in Annex 2. As can be seen from Table  3.2 below, and for the first time since 
the beginning of the trade monitoring exercise, the  number of initiations of new trade remedy 
investigations is lower than the number of trade remedy actions terminated.11 Furthermore, the 
monthly average of initiations of trade remedy actions during the review period is the lowest 
registered since 2012.  
3.12.   Initiations of anti -dumping (AD) investigations continue to be the most frequent trade remedy 
action, accounting for three -quarters of all initiations during the review period. For the first time 
since 2012, anti -dumping terminations outpaced anti -dumping i nitiations.  
3.13.   Trade remedy actions taken during the review period covered a wide range of products, 
including initiations of investigations on prefabricated buildings and certain furniture (HS  94) 
accounting for 29.2%, products of iron and steel (HS  73) 21. 4%, iron and steel (HS  72) 11.3%, 
machinery and mechanical appliances (HS  84) 9.7%, and cereals (HS  10) 6.4%.  
3.14.   The trade coverage of trade -remedy initiations introduced during the review period by 
WTO Members was USD 20.2 billion (0.12% of world merchandise  imports). For terminations, the 
trade coverage was at USD 16.4 billion (0.09% of world merchandise imports)  (Chart 3.4 ).  
Table 3.2 Trade remedy actions (Annex 2)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017 2018  
Mid-Oct 17 to  
mid-Oct 18  
(WT/TPR/OV/21)  
Mid-Oct 18 to 
mid-May 19  
(7 months)  
Initiations  255 338 304 277 343 298 266 296 99 
- AD 208 287 236 229 298 249 194 229 74 
- CVD 23 33 45 31 34 41 55 53 15 
- SG 24 18 23 17 11 8 17 14 10 
Average per month  21.3 28.2 25.3 23.1 28.6 24.8 22.2 24.7 14.1 
Terminations  208 186 221 214 174 159 222 212 112 
- AD 177 160 186 167 143 129 197 182 95 
- CVD 21 17 23 25 15 13 24 26 11 
- SGa 10 9 12 22 16 17 1 4 6 
Average per month  17.3 15.5 18.4 17.8  14.5 13.3 18.5 17.7 16.0 
a The figure for a specific year is the sum of the following: (i) investigations terminated during the 
course of that specific year without a final measure; and (ii) all imposed measures expired during the 
course of that specific year.  
Note:  The information on trade remedy actions for 2012 to 2018 is based on the semi -annual notifications. 
For the present review period, the information is also based on the responses and the verification 
received directly from Members. Anti -circumvention measures are not included in the above numbers.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
                                                
9 The coverage o f trade remedy actions i n this R eport does not  prejudge the right of WTO Members to 
take trade remedy actions. See also Box 1. 2. 
10 A single methodology for the counting of AD and CVD investigations is being applied across the 
Report, i.e. on the basis of the number of exporting c ountries or customs territories affected by an 
investigation or by a termination. Thus, one AD or CVD investigation involving imports from n 
countries/customs territories is counted as n investigations. Similarly, the termination of an AD or CVD action 
is counted as n terminations.  
11 Termination means either the termination of the investigation (without imposition of a measure) or 
the elimination of the imposed measure.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 26 - 
 
  3.1.3   Other trade and trade -related measures  
3.15.   Annex 3 to this Report lists measures which may be considered to have a trade -restrictive 
effect.  
3.16.   During the review period, 38 new trade -restrictive measures were recorded, representing 
13% of the total number contained in Annexes 1 to 3.  
3.17.   Out of the total number of the measures recorded in Annex 3, more than 80% were applied 
to imports. Tariff increas es account for more than half of all import -restrictive measures, followed 
by a range of import bans12, special safeguards (volume based)13, and import taxes14. With respect 
to export, most of the measures taken were duties15, followed by bans16 and stricter customs 
procedures (Table  3.3). 
Table 3.3 Other trade and trade -related measures (Annex 3)  
Type of measure  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  
Mid-Oct 17 to 
mid-Oct 18 
(WT/TPR/OV/21)  
 Mid-Oct 18 t o 
mid-May 19  
Import  129 139 130 172 105 89 108 118 31 
- Tariff 76 87 81 113 70 51 63 79 16 
- Customs procedures  31 28 18 31 16 18 6 5 2 
- Tax 6 5 8 10 6 10 13 13 3 
- QRs 14 17 8 12 12 8 17 17 5 
- Other  2 2 15 6 1 2 9 4 5 
Export  22 31 25 45 20 19 18 17 7 
- Duties  3 5 11 13 6 5 9 7 3 
- QRs 12 10 8 7 10 8 4 5 2 
- Other  7 16 6 25 4 6 5 5 2 
Other  13 7 12 15 13 14 1 2 0 
- Othera 8 1 1 0 4 2 1 1 0 
- Local content  5 6 11 15 9 12 0 1 0 
Total  164 177 167 232 138 122 127 137 38 
Average per month  13.7 14.8  13.9  19.3  11.5 10.2 10.6 11.4 5.4 
a Other than local content measures.  
Note:  Revisions of the data reflect changes undertaken in the TMDB to fine -tune and update the available 
information.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.18.   The trade and trade -related measures recorded in Annex 3, and which may be considered 
trade -restrictive, cover a wide range of products. The main sectors were machinery and mechanical 
appliances (HS  84) 19.1%, electrical machinery and parts thereof (HS  85) 15.6%; precious metals 
(HS 71) 10.7%; and prefabricated buildings and certain furniture (HS  94) 8.1%. The trade coverage 
of the import -restrictive measures introduced during the review period was USD  339.5  billion, 
i.e. 1.95% of the value of world merchandise imports.17 This is the second  highest  figure  on record,  
after the USD 588.3  billion  reported  in the previous  period.  Together  these  two periods  represent  a 
dramatic  spike in the trade  coverage  of import -restrictive  measures.  
                                                
12 For example, QRs on gold, pulses, milk and milk products, and chicken meat.  
13 For example, on garlic, dried shiitake, peanuts, red beans and certain chicken cuts.  
14 For example, excise on vehicles and spirits, synthetic greenhouse gas levies, and statistical fee s on all 
imports.  
15 For example, duties on oil -cake and other solid res idues, and waste and scrap of ferrous metals.  
16 For example, QRs on iron and steel ferrous waste and scrap, and metal scrap.  
17 These figures include one measure by the United States ( extension of the imposition of additional 
rates on products from China), accounting for 5 9.2% of the total; one measure by Argentina ( statistical fee s on 
all imports), accounting for 19.7%; and one measure by India (amendments on import policy of gold ore), 
accounting for 10.6% . WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 27 - 
 
  Chart 3.3 Overview of measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019  
(By number)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.4 Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019  
(USD billion)  
 
Note:  2017 figures.  ITA expansion measures are not included.  
Source:  WTO Secre tariat.  
3.19.   The above Section has provided detailed factual information on the latest trends among 
WTO Members and Observers in trade policy -making and the implementation of trade measures. 
The coverag e of import -restrictive  measures  during  the period  is estimated  at USD 339.5  billion.  
This Section  provides  evidence  that trade  flows have been hit by new trade  restrictions  on a 
historically  high level.  The trade coverage of new import -restrictive measure s introduced by WTO 
Members during this period was 44% above the average since October 2012 when the Report started 
including trade coverage figures.  The previous  period  saw a record  level of new restrictive  measures  
introduced.  Most of these  measures  remain in place and have now been added  to by a series  of new 
measures  in the current  period  which  are also of a historically  high level.  
3.20.   A small number of trade measures account for an overwhelming share of the trade coverage 
for both import -facilitating and import -restrictive measures. Other measures, trade -restrictive as 
well as trade -facilitating, were announced for implementation after the current review period. By the 
time of publication of this Report, some of those measures will have likely entered into  force. They 
will be included in the end of the year  Report. Other trade measures with a potentially large impact 
on global trade remain under consideration. Although the implementation of these measures is 
currently on hold, the fact that they remain a po ssibility continue to cast a shadow over the outlook 
for international trade.  
3.21.   As noted in Section 2 of this Report, there are many factors, including weaker global economic 
activity, tighter monetary policies, and increased financial volatility which may c ontribute to the 
current trade slow -down. This Section has provided additional perspective on the specific trade 
measures which contribute to this slow -down.  
3.22.   The following Box looks at selected studies on the implications of the escalation of trade 
tension s between the United States and China.  
99 112 47 38 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measures296Chart KF4   Trade measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -May 2019
Source:  WTO Secretariat(By number)
20 16 398 340 
Trade remedy initiations Trade remedy terminations
Measures facilitating trade Trade-restrictive measuresUSD 774Chart KF5  Trade coverage of import measures, mid -October 2018 to mid -
May 2019
Source: WTO Secretariat.(USD billion)WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 28 - 
 
  Box 3.1 Implications of the current trade tensions – Studies  
The previous G20 Trade Monitoring Report at the end of 2018 reported on the implementation of several 
important  tariff increases by the United States and China. Several studies have endeavoured to provide further 
perspective on how these higher tariffs have impacted bilateral trade between the United States and China as 
well as international trade overall. Below is  a non -exhaustive overview of some of these studies.  
Research conducted by the Institute of International Finance  (IIF) in February 2019 studied the impact of US 
tariffs on Chinese imports. The research suggests that, although half of US imports from China  are subject to 
substantial tariffs, total imports from China and the bilateral trade deficit continue to grow. According to the 
study, imports of goods subject to a 25% tariff since July/August 2018 which are levied on USD  50 billion 
worth of goods are sh arply declining based on data for both price and volume of 7,000  products subject to 
new tariffs. According to the analysis, US importers are using fewer Chinese goods, while Chinese exporters 
have partially absorbed tariffs into profit margins to retain m arket share. However, total US imports from 
China appear resilient to tariffs; and an increase of imports of goods not subject to new tariffs indicate that 
developments in goods on the USD  50 billion list are not a reflection of a broad -based decrease in i mports 
from China. The study further assessed the list of Chinese goods worth USD  200 billion which are subject to 
a 10% tariff since September 2018. It finds that strong exports to the United  States of Chinese goods have 
been recorded due to "front -loadin g" shipments in anticipation of the United  States raising tariff rates on this 
list of goods to 25% from the current 10%, if no agreement is reached between the United States and China 
by early 2019.a 
Another study by the European Network for Economic and Fiscal Policy Research  finds that the greatest share 
of the US tariff burden on Chinese imports does not fall on American consumers or firms, but rather on Chinese 
exporters. Based on the analysis, a 25% increase in tariffs raises US consumer prices on all  affected Chinese 
products by only 4.5% on average, while the producer price of Chinese firms declines by 20.5%. The import 
duties levied on Chinese goods have high import elasticities, thus a large share of the tariff burden is 
transferred on to Chinese e xporters. Chinese firms pay approximately 75% of the tariff burden, and the tariffs 
decrease Chinese exports of affected goods to the United States by around 37%. This implies that the bilateral 
trade deficit between the United States and China drops by 17 %.b 
A recent paper published by Princeton University  exploring the impacts of US trade policy on prices and welfare 
states that, over the course of 2018, the United States experienced substantial increases in the prices of 
intermediates and final goods, dr amatic changes to their supply -chain network, reductions in availability of 
imported varieties, and a complete pass -through of the tariffs into domestic prices of imported goods. The 
paper concludes that the full incidence of the tariff falls on domestic c onsumers, with a reduction in US real 
income of USD 1.4 billion per month by the end of 2018. It states that similar patterns have been also observed 
in foreign countries who have retaliated against the United  States, suggesting that the trade war has also  
reduced real income for other countries.c 
Another paper, published by the National Bureau of Economic Research  in March 2019d, analyses the impacts 
of the 2018 trade war on the US economy and finds that US imports from targeted countries declined by 
31.5% within products, while targeted US exports fell by 11.0%. It affirms a complete pass -through of the 
US tariffs to a variety -level of import prices, and estimates the annual consumer and producer losses resulting 
from the higher cost of imports at USD 68.8 billion (0.37% of GDP). It estimates the aggregate welfare loss, 
after accounting for higher tariff revenues and gains to dom estic producers from higher prices, at 
USD 7.8 billion (0.04% of GDP).  
Notes:  
a The Institute of International Finance (2019), Economic Views. "Are Tariffs on China Working?", 
5 February  2019.  
b European Network for Economic and Fiscal Policy Research (20 18), "Who is Paying for the Trade War with 
China?", by Zoller -Rydek, B. and Felbermayr, G., November. Viewed at: 
http://www.econpol.eu/sites/default/files/2018 -
11/EconPol_Policy_Brief_11_Zoller_Felbermayr_Tariffs.pdf .  
c  Amiti, M. – Federal Reserve Bank of New York and CEPR, Redding, S.J. – Princeton University and CEPR 
and Weinstein, D. – Columbia University, The I mpact of the 2018 Trade War on US Prices and Welfare (1 
March 2019). Viewed at: https://www.princeton.edu/~reddings/papers/CEPR -DP13564.pdf . 
d National Bureau of Economic Research,  Fajgelbaum, P.D., Goldberg, P.K., Kennedy, P.J. and Khandelwal, 
A.K., The Return to Protectionism, (March 2019). Viewed at: https://www.nber.org/papers/w25638.pdf . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.23.   Box 3.2  below on the drivers of bilateral trade balances and spill -overs from tariffs was 
contributed  by the IMF.  
Box 3.2 Drivers of bilateral trade balances and spill -overs from tariffs  
Bilateral trade balances (that is, the difference in the value of exports and imports between two countries) 
have come under scrutiny lately. Indeed, some policymakers are concerned that their large and growing size 
is the result of asymmetric obstacles to  trade. In a recent study (IMF, 2019)a, we show that the focus on 
bilateral balances is not the right one. Over the past two decades, changes in bilateral trade balances have WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 29 - 
 
  mostly reflected the macroeconomic forces that are also known to determine aggreg ate trade balances, while 
the role of changes in tariffs has been very limited. Targeting a specific bilateral trade balance using tariffs 
would likely lead to trade diversion and offsetting changes in balances with other partners, with little or no 
impact  on a country's aggregate trade balance. In addition to being ineffective to address external imbalances , 
tariffs are costly for economic activity, affecting negatively output, employment, and productivity for the 
countries directly involved, but also for other countries linked through global value chains.  
Bilateral trade balances reflect macroeconomic forces, not tariffs  
In a recent analysis – based on a study of 63 countries over 20 years and across 34 sectors – we quantify the 
drivers of changes in bilateral trade balances by using the standard trade gravity model. The model 
distinguishes between the roles of: (i) macroeconomic factors (i.e., the overall demand and supply of each 
country); (ii) tariffs; and (iii)  countries' sectoral specialization – which reflects the international organization 
of production. We find that over the past two decades, the evolution of bilateral balances has been driven to 
a significant extent by changes in macroeconomic conditions in both trading partners (Figure 1). 
Macroeconomic conditions can reflect a wide range of factors and policies, such as fiscal policy and credit 
cycles, but in some cases also exchange rate policies and domestic supply -side policies (e.g. widespread 
subsidies to state -owned enterprises or to exp ort sectors). In contrast, the role of changes in bilateral tariffs 
was modest, reflecting their already low levels in many countries and the fact that reciprocal tariff reductions 
had offsetting effects on bilateral trade balances.  
  
1 Average value 2010-15 minus average value 
1995-99. 
2 This includes tariffs and free or preferential 
trade agreements.  
3 The residual is the sum of the model 
residuals plus the approximation error.  
Note:  Data labels use International Organization 
for Standardization (ISO ) country codes.  
 
Sources:  Organisation for Economic Cooperation and 
Development, Trade in Value Added 
database; and IMF staff calculations.     1 Effects are partial equilibrium estimates based 
on a country -sector level analysis. The figure 
shows the change in the simulated tariff 
spill-overs between 1995 and 2011, the last 
year for which such an exercise is possible 
given data constraints. 2011 is a good 
approximation of current global value chain 
links because most of the growth in global 
value chain  integration took place before 
2011.  
   Note:  Data labels use International Organisation for 
Standardization (ISO) country codes.  
   Source:  IMF staff estimates.  
Tariffs are costly for economic activity  
While tariffs had a limited direct effect on changes  in bilateral trade balances, this does not mean that tariffs 
are innocuous. The significant decrease in both tariffs and other trade costs (for example transportation costs) 
since the mid -1990s has gone hand -in-hand with an intensification of participatio n in global value chains, 
facilitating specialization and productivity improvements. The flipside of this is that increases in tariffs would 
negatively affect productivity, employment and output, and that costs from tariff increases would be larger 
today g iven the greater interconnectedness of global production. A significant increase in tariffs would have 
ripple effects through global value chains, amplifying the detrimental impacts on output for the countries 
directly affected and for others up and down t he global value chain. Simulations (based on country -sector 
estimations) illustrate that the output cost of a generalized 1  percentage point increase in manufacturing 
tariffs would be larger today than it would have been in the mid -1990s, particularly so f or countries highly 
integrated in manufacturing supply chains (e.g. Germany and Korea, Republic of) (Figure 2).  
-120-100-80-60-40-200204060
CHN-KOR DEU-USAResidual³
Macroeconomic factors
Sectoral composition
Tariffs and other trade costs²
TotalFigure 1. Contributions to Changes in 
Bilateral Trade Balances, 1995 -20151
(Billions of US dollars)
Sources: Organisation for Economic Co -operation -600-500-400-300-200-1000100200300
CHN-USA
(right scale)
-0,8-0,7-0,6-0,5-0,4-0,3-0,2-0,10,00,1
CAN CHN DEU FRA GBR ITA JPN KOR USAUpstream tariff Downstream tariff
Domestic protection Diversion tariff
TotalFigure 2. Illustration of the Effect of a 1 
Percentage Point Generalized Tariff 
Increase on Real Value Added1
(Percent of GDP)
Source: IMF staff estimates.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 30 - 
 
  Bilateral tariffs are ineffective and disruptive for global trade and growth  
To illustrate this point, we ran simulations using three general equilibrium models and involving a hypothetical 
increase in tariffs on all goods traded between the United States and China by 25 percentage points. Three 
main messages emerge. First, the United States and China would not gain and would instead be the most  
affected, with a decrease in external demand and output losses in both countries (Figure 3). These losses are 
likely an underestimation as they do not factor in the toll that trade tensions take on confidence and financial 
markets. In addition, negative a ggregate effects on output would be compounded by sectoral reallocations as 
global value chains are repositioned, implying sizeable job losses in specific sectors in both countries. Second, 
the change in the aggregate trade balance of both countries would be negligible, as each country's demand is 
diverted to other trading partners which do not face increased tariffs, benefiting countries such as Mexico, 
Canada and to a lesser extent east Asia. Finally, while some countries may benefit slightly from trade 
diversion, the global economy is worse off, reflecting the higher trading costs and distortions introduced to 
the existing division of labour.  
 
1 Effects are simulated from three general equilibrium models: GIMF, GTAP, and CFRT.  
Note:  CFRT = Caliendo and o thers (2017) model; GIMF = Global Integrated Monetary and Fiscal model;  
GTAP  = Global Trade Analysis Project; LR = long run; NAFTA = North American Free Trade Agreement. 
In the figure, NAFTA is NAFTA countries excluding US , and Asia is Asian countries excl uding China.  
Source:  IMF calculations.  
Policy conclusion  
The overall findings suggest that the discussion of external imbalances is rightly focussed  on aggregate trade 
balances and current accounts, and on the macroeconomic distortions that may underlie them. In addition, 
further multilateral reductions in tariff and non -tariff trade barriers would benefit economic outcomes. Finally, 
while the finding s suggest that reducing barriers to trade would benefit the global economy, there are valid 
concerns about the distributional effects of trade. It is therefore important to put in place specific policies to 
ensure that the gains from trade are widely share d and that those affected are adequately protected.  
a International Monetary Fund, 2019. "The Drivers of Bilateral Trade and the Spill -overs from Tariffs," World 
Economic Outlook, Chapter 4. April 2019. Authors: Johannes Eugster, Florence Jaumotte, Margaux  
MacDonald and Roberto Piazza. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and should not be 
attributed to the IMF, its Executive Board, or its management.  
Source:  IMF, World Economic Outlook 2019.  
3.2  Trade -Remedies18 
3.24.   This Section provides an assessment of trends in trade -remedy actions in the periods from 
January -December 2016, January -December 2017 and January -December 2018.19 Concerning 
anti-dumping, data indicate a decrease in the number of new investigations initiated  in 2018 . The 
number of  countervailing investigations and those of safeguard initiations have both increased in 
2018. The total number of initiations for the latter two types of trade -remedy investigations 
remained considerably lower than for anti -dumping.  
                                                
18 This Section is without prejudice to the right of Members to take trade remedy actions under the 
WTO.  
19 These periods coincide with the Member's semi -annual reporting periods . 
-1,5-1,0-0,50,00,51,0
World     China USA Asia NAFTA Euro area Rest of
the worldGIMF Year 1 GIMF LR GTAP CFRTFigure 3. Macro Effects from a 25 Percent 
Increase in Tariffs Affecting all US –China Trade: 
Real GDP1
(Percentage point change from baseline)WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 31 - 
 
  Anti-Dumping Measures20 
3.25.   Global anti -dumping initiations decreased by 16% from 298 in 2016 to 249 in 2017 and 
dropped, by 22%, to 194 in 2018 ( Table  3.4). The Table provides information on which Members 
initiated anti -dumping investigations  over the last three years . 
Table 3.4 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, 2016 -18 
Reporting Member  2016  2017  2018  
Argentina  23 8 16 
Australia  17 16 12 
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; 
United  Arab Emiratesa 0 4 0 
Brazil  11 7 7 
Canada  14 14 14 
Chile 1 1 2 
China  5 24 16 
Colombia  1 8 3 
Costa Rica  1 0 0 
Dominican Republic  1 0 1 
Egypt  14 0 1 
El Salvador  1 1 0 
European Union  14 9 8 
India 69 49 31 
Indonesia  7 1 0 
Israel  1 3 0 
Japan  1 2 0 
Korea, Republic of  4 7 5 
Malaysia  0 4 2 
Mexico  6 8 3 
Morocco  4 1 0 
New Zealand  0 2 2 
Pakistan  24 3 8 
Paraguay  1 0 0 
Peru 0 3 0 
Philippines  1 0 0 
Russian Federationb 1 1 6 
South Africac 0 0 2 
Chinese  Taipei  8 0 2 
Thailand  10 3 1 
Turkey  17 8 6 
Ukraine  1 7 10 
United States  37 55 34 
Viet Nam  3 0 2 
Total  298 249 194 
a Notified by all GCC member States collectively as investigations are initiated by the GCC regional 
investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States.  
b Notified by the Russian Federation, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union on 
behalf of all of its members, i.e. Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan (which became a WTO  Member 
on 30 November 2015), and Belarus (non -WTO Member) col lectively.  
c Notified by South Africa, but investigations are initiated at the level of the Southern African Customs 
Union (Botswana, Eswatini,  Lesotho, and Namibia) .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
                                                
20 Anti-dumping and countervailing investigations are counted on the basis of the number of exporting 
countries or customs terri tories affected by an investigation. Thus, one anti -dumping or countervailing 
investigation involving imports from n countries/customs territories is counted as n investigations.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 32 - 
 
  3.26.   Chart 3. 5 shows that the number of initiations of anti-dumping  investigations increased from 
165 in 2011 to 287 in 2013, decreased to 236 and 229 initiations in 2014 and 2015, respectively, 
increased in 2016 to 298 investigations , which  is the highest number of initiations since the 311 of 
2002, but still off the all -time high of 372 in 2001. A downward trend was observed in 2017 (when 
the initiations decreased to 249) and 2018 (194).  
Chart 3.5 Total anti -dumping investigation initiations  
 
Source:   WTO Secretariat.  
3.27.   While anti -dumping investigations do not necessarily lead to the imposition of measures, a 
decrease in the number of investigations initiated is an early indicator suggesting a likely decrease 
in the number of measures imposed.  
3.28.   Over the three periods, a to tal of 565 anti -dumping measures were imposed (as shown in 
Table 3.5). However, as it can take up to 18 months for an anti -dumping investigation to be 
concluded once initiated, these measures may not necessarily be the result of initiations in the same 
period.  
Table 3.5 Number of anti -dumping measures imposed , 2016 -18 
Reporting Member  2016  2017  2018  
Argentina  1 2 13 
Australia  5 14 5 
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; 
United  Arab Emiratesa 0 1 0 
Brazil  13 10 9 
Canada  3 10 7 
Chile 1 2 0 
China  11 5 23 
Colombia  1 1 8 
218 217
173
165208287
236229298
249
194
050100150200250300350
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Chart AD.1
Anti-dumping initiations by reporting Member, 2008 -18
Source:    WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 33 - 
 
  Reporting Member  2016  2017  2018  
Costa Rica  0 1 0 
Dominican Republic  0 1 0 
Egypt  4 6 0 
European Union  5 11 3 
India 37 47 36 
Indonesia  0 3 1 
Israel  1 0 0 
Japan  2 1 2 
Korea, Republic of  3 4 7 
Malaysia  5 0 4 
Mexico  12 2 7 
Morocco  0 2 4 
Pakistan  2 12 19 
Peru 1 0 1 
Philippines  0 1 0 
Russian Federationb 4 1 0 
Chinese  Taipei  8 0 0 
Thailand  5 7 0 
Trinidad and Tobago  1 0 0 
Turkey  9 10 10 
Ukraine  2 2 2 
United States  35 33 41 
Viet Nam  0 3 0 
Total  171 192 202 
a Notified by all GCC member States collectively as investigations are initiated by the GCC regional 
investigating authority on behalf of all GCC member States.  
b Notified by the Russian Federation, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union on 
behalf of all of its members, i.e. Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan (which became a WTO  Member 
on 30 November 2015), and Belarus (non -WTO Member) col lectively.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
3.29.   Chart 3. 6 shows  that there was little change in terms of the products affected by anti -dumping 
investigations initiated during the three periods examined, with the majority of initiations focussed  
on products in the met als, chemicals, and plastics and rubber sectors.  
3.30.   Metal products were subject to the most initiations in each period, accounting for 43% of all 
initiations in 2016, 33% in 2017 and 41% in 2018. In each period, at least 80 initiations targeted 
metals, of wh ich 81 -91% focussed  on steel products ( goods classified under chapters 72 and 73 of 
the HS classification) . Over the 3 periods combined, the United States  (65), Canada (26), Australia 
(25), the European Union (21) and India (17) accounted for more than half of the 290  initiations on 
metals. A decrease in the number of initiations against metal products was seen in the last period 
with 15 investigations init iated by the United States, 11 by Canada, 8 by Pakistan, 5 by Argentina, 
4 by Ukraine, 4 by Brazil, 4 by the European Union and 4 by China. Initiations against metals across 
the 3 periods affected mostly products from China (86, of which 72 involved steel products), the 
Republic of Korea (25, of which 24 involved steel), India (15, of which 13 involved steel), Viet  Nam 
(14, of which 11 involved steel) and Turkey (12, of which 11 involved steel). In many instances, 
investigations were launched on the same pr oduct from several exporting countries. For instance, 5 
steel products were the focus of 81 investigations.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 34 - 
 
  Chart 3.6 Initiations of anti -dumping investigations, by product  
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Sourc e: WTO Secretariat.  
3.31.   Chemical products accounted for the second largest share of initiations over the 
three  reporting periods, with a 17% share of initiations in 2016, a 26% share in 2017, and a 16% 
share in 2018. India accounted for 52 of the 147 new inves tigations on products in this sector over 
the 3 reporting periods, followed by China (26) and the United States (19). These initiations involved 
mostly chemical products from China (24), the Republic of Korea (15), Thailand and Japan (9), 
the United States  (8) and Chinese Taipei and the Russian Federation (7). Similarly, to metals sector 
investigations, investigations into chemicals frequently involved the same product from different 
countries – 15 products accounted for 79 of the investigations in this are a.  
3.32.   Plastics and rubber ranked third over the three periods examined, accounting for 12% of all 
initiations in 2016, 11% in 2017, and 15% in 2018. India (28), the United States (20) and China  (9) 
accounted for more than half of the 94 plastics and rubber i nvestigations. China was once again the 
Chart AD.2
Anti-dumping initiations by product
2016 2017
Chemicals
17%Textiles 
5%
Metals
43%Metals
33%
Chemicals
26%Plastics
11%Other
10%
Machinery
3%
Textiles
10%Stone / Plaster
2%Other
6%Machinery
5%
Stone / Plaster
5%
Paper
6%
Plastics
12%Paper
4%
Source: WTO Secretariat.2018
Chemicals
16%Textiles
6%Metals
41%Machinery
4%
Plastics
15%Other
8%
Paper
6%Stone / Plaster
3%
Note: Values are rounded.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 35 - 
 
  main subject of investigations in this sector (21), followed by the Republic of Korea (13), Thailand  (9) 
and Chinese Taipei and Brazil (5).  
3.33.   In terms of countries affected by new anti -dumping investigations, 43 export ing Members 
were affected in 2016, while 49 were affected in 2017 and 46 in 2018. China remained, by far, the 
Member most affected by anti -dumping initiations during the three reporting periods – investigations 
into Chinese products accounted for 28% of al l investigations during these periods. The second most 
affected Member  – the Republic of Korea – accounted for 8% of the total initiations during these 
periods, followed by Thailand, India, Brazil, Japan and Chinese  Taipei at 4% each.  
Countervailing Measu res 
3.34.   As shown in Table 3.6, global initiations of countervailing duty investigations increased 
significantly to 55 in 2018 compared to 34 in 2016 and 41 in 2017.  
3.35.   Among the 14 Members using countervailing measures during the 3 periods examined, the 
United States initiated the most new investigations (64), accounting for 49% of initiations. Canada, 
the second largest user, accounted for 13% of all initiations, followed by India and Australia for 8%. 
The remaining investigations were conducted by ten  different countries.  
Table 3.6 Initiations of countervailing duty investigations, 2016 -18 
Reporting Member  2016  2017  2018  
Australia  8 0 3 
Brazil  1 1 0 
Canada  2 11 4 
China  1 1 3 
Egypt  2 0 0 
European Union  1 2 2 
India 1 0 10 
New Zealand  1 1 1 
Pakistan  1 0 0 
Peru 0 1 1 
Chinese  Taipei  0 0 5 
Turkey  0 0 1 
Ukraine  0 0 1 
United States  16 24 24 
Total  34 41 55 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.36.   Chart 3. 7, reflecting annual figures, shows  an upward trend in countervailing initiations from 
2010 to 2014, notwithstanding some fluctuation in 2012. Following a decrease in 2015, the number 
of countervailing initiations has steadily increased for the last four years. In fact, the number of 
initiations recorded in 2018 (55) is the peak of initiations observed since 1999.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 36 - 
 
  Chart 3.7 Initiations of countervailing investigations, 2008 -18 
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat  
3.37.   As with anti -dumping, countervailing duty investigations do not necessarily lead to the 
imposition of measures. However, a rise in the number of investigations initiated may be an early 
indicator of a likely rise in the number of measures imposed. Over the three periods, a total of 
70 countervaili ng measures were imposed ( Table 3. 7). However, as it can take up to 18 months for 
an investigation to be concluded, these measures may not necessarily be the result of initiations in 
the same period.  
Table 3.7 Number of countervailing measures imposed, 2016 -18 
Reporting Member  2016  2017  2018  
Australia  1 3 0 
Brazil  1 0 1 
Canada  2 1 6 
China  0 1 1 
European Union  1 1 1 
India 1 1 0 
Peru 1 0 1 
Ukraine  1 0 0 
United States  16 11 18 
Total  24 18 28 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.38.   Concerning the products affected by countervailing investigations, Chart 3. 8 shows that 
metals accounted for most of the initiations reported over the three reporting periods, accounting 
for 59%, 37% and 45% of all initiations in 2016, 20 17 and 2018, respectively. For the three periods 
combined, 60 of the 130 total initiations recorded covered metals and 48 of these targeted steel 
products. The United States initiated 23 of the 64 investigations on steel products. Thirteen of the 
20 steel-related initiations in the current period involved products from China.  
1628
925
233345
31344155
0102030405060
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Chart AD.3
Initiations of countervailing investigations
Source:      WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 37 - 
 
  Chart 3.8 Initiations of countervailing investigations, by product  
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.39.   Over the three  reporting periods, chemicals and plastics were the second and third 
most-investigated sectors with 21 and 18 initiations, respectively.   
3.40.   In terms of countries or customs territories affected by new countervailing investigations, 
11 exporting Members were affected in 2016, 18 in 2017 and 14 in 2018. China was the most 
frequent target of investigations, accounting for 47% of all investigations during these three periods. 
India, the second most frequent target during the three reporting periods, accounted for  12% of all 
initiations, followed by Viet Nam which accounted for 5%.   
Safeguard measures  
3.41.   Safeguard measures are temporary measures imposed in response to increased imports of 
goods that are causing serious injury and are imposed on products from all sourc es, i.e. all exporting 
Chart AD.4
Initiations of countervailing investigations, by product
2016 2017
Metals
59%Metals
37%
Chemicals
29%Paper
2%Other
12%
Textiles
5%
Plastics
15%Other
12%
Paper
6%Chemicals
6%Textiles
3%
Plastics
15%
Source: WTO Secretariat.2018
Plastics
13%Metals
45%Other
24%
Chemicals
13%Textiles
5%
Note: Values are rounded.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 38 - 
 
  countries.21 Thus, safeguards are subject to different rules and timelines than anti -dumping and 
countervailing measures and are, therefore, not directly comparable to these other types of trade 
remedies.  
3.42.   Chart 3. 9 shows the trend of initiations of safeguard investigations side by side with the trend 
of impositions on a calendar year basis. Setting aside the exceptionally large figure (34) recorded in 
2002, the year 2009 saw the largest number of initiations since 1995 with 25 (the yea r 2000 was 
also 25), and the years 2012 and 2014 saw the second and third largest. From that high level, 
initiations of safeguard investigation have been declining until 2017. But the declining trend has now 
stopped. In 2018, the number of initiations more  than doubled compared to  2017. The number of 
impositions, by contrast, has been already steadily rising since 2016.   
Chart 3.9 Initiation and imposition of safeguard measures  
 
Note:  Some notifications are ambiguous about the timing when the measure takes effect. For those 
notifications, Members sometimes subsequently file an additional notification clarifying, ex post , the 
timing of the taking effect. For this reason, the number of im positions indicated in past reports can 
differ from the figures indicated in the most recent Report.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.   
Table 3.8 Initiation of safeguard investigations , 2016 -18 
(Number)  
Reporting Membe r 2016  2017  2018  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; 
Kuwait, State of; Oman; 
Qatar; Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; United Arab 
Emiratesa 2 1 0 
Canada  0 0 1 
Chile 0 0 1 
China  1 0 0 
Costa Rica  0 0 1 
                                                
21 With exception of special and differential treatment provide for developing  countries in Article 9.1 of 
the Safeguards Agreement.  
1025
20
1224
1823
17
11
817
610
411
6811 11
6910
051015202530
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Initiations Impositions
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Chart AD.6
Countervailing investigations initiated by G20 members, 2009 -2018WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 39 - 
 
  Reporting Membe r 2016  2017  2018  
European Union  0 0 1 
India 1 1 0 
Indonesia  0 0 2 
Jordan  1 0 0 
Madagascar  0 0 3 
Malaysia  2 0 0 
Morocco  0 0 1 
Philippines  0 0 2 
Russian Federationb 0 0 1 
South Africac 2 0 1 
Thailand  1 0 0 
Turkey  0 2 3 
Ukraine  0 1 0 
United States  0 2 0 
Viet Nam  1 1 0 
Total  11 8 17 
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council.  
b Notified by the Russian Federation, but investigations are initiated by the Eurasian Economic Union on 
behalf of all of  its members, i.e. Armenia, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan (which became a WTO  Member 
on 30 November 2015), and Belarus (non -WTO Member) collectively.  
c Notified by South Africa, but investigations are initiated by the Southern African Customs Union on 
behalf  of all of its members collectively.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
Table 3.9 Imposition of safeguard measures , 2016 -18 
(Number)  
Reporting Member  2016  2017  2018  
Bahrain, Kingdom of; Kuwait, State 
of; Oman; Qatar;  Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of; United  Arab Emiratesa 0 0 1 
Chile 1 0 0 
China  0 1 0 
India 2 0 1 
Indonesia  0 0 1 
Jordan  0 1 0 
Madagascar  0 0 3 
Malaysia  0 2 0 
Morocco  0 1 0 
South Africab 0 1 0 
Thailand  0 1 0 
Turkey  0 1 0 
Ukraine  1 0 1 
United States  0 0 2 
Viet Nam  2 1 1 
Total  6 9 10 
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council.  
b Notified by South Africa, but investigations are initiated by the Southern African Customs Union on 
behalf of all of  its members collectively.   
Source:  WTO Secretariat .  
3.43.   Table 3. 8 shows the number of initiations of safeguard investigations by WTO Members 
between 2016 and 2018 and Table 3. 9 shows the impositions of safeguard measures during the 
same period. It is worth to note that the European Union and Canada initiated both safeguard  
investigations, on certain steel products. These initiations have resulted in imposition of measures, 
but these impositions do not feature in Table 3. 9, since they fall outside the reporting period. The 
European Union imposed its final measure on 2 February 2019, and Canada on 13 May 2019. The 
last time the European Union (then the European Communities) imposed  a safeguard  measure was 
in 2005. For Canada, it is the very first imposition of a safeguard  measure.  
3.44.   Chart 3. 10 shows the products covered by safeguard  investigations. While the number of 
investigations initiated in the metals sector (the vast majority o f which involve steel products) 
dramatically decreased from 2016 to 2017, the sector covered 41% of safeguard initiations in 2018.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 40 - 
 
  Chart 3.10 Initiation of safeguard investigations, by product  
 
 
Note:  Values are rounded.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.3  Sanitary and phytosanitary measures  
3.45.   Under the SPS Agreement, WTO Members are obliged to provide an advance notice of 
intention to introduce new or modified SPS measures22, or to notify immediately when emergency 
measures are imposed. The main objective of complying with the SPS notification obligations is to 
inform other Members about new or changed regulations that may significantly affect trade. 
                                                
22 Transparency obligations are contained in Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreement. Annex B of 
the SPS Agreement requires that Members notify measures whose content is not substantially the same as  that 
of an international standard, guideline or recommendation, and when the measure may have a significant 
effect on trade.  However, the Recommended Procedures for Implementing the Transparency Provisions of the 
SPS Agreement, adopted by the SPS Committe e in 2008 , and updated in 2018  (WTO document 
G/SPS/7/Rev. 4, 4 June 2018 ), recommend that Members also notify measures which are based on the relevant 
international standards, and provide a broad interpretation of effects on trade.  
Chart AD.6
Initiation of safeguard investigations, by product
2016 2017
Plastics
12%
Metals
91%Foodstuffs
9%
Chemicals
38%
Machinery
38%Miscellaneous 
manuf.
12%
Source: WTO Secretariat.2018
Foodstuff
6%
Metals
41%
Stone/Plaster
12%Animal products
6%Chemicals
6%
Textiles
12%Wood
12%Minerals
6%
Note: Values are roundedWT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 41 - 
 
  Therefore, an increase in the number of notifications does not auto matically imply greater use of 
protectionist measures, but rather enhanced transparency regarding these measures.  
3.46.   From 1 October 2018 to 31 March 2019, 795 SPS notifications (regular and emergency, 
including addenda) were submitted to the WTO. Notification s from developing -country Members 
accounted for 71%  of the total number. In the previous six -month period, from April through 
September 2018, a total of 859 notifications were submitted, of which 76% were by 
developing -country Members.  
3.47.   With respect to reg ular notifications (including addenda) during the period under review, 
WTO Members submitted 718 notifications; 69% of which were submitted by developing -country 
Members. In the previous six -month period, from April through September 2018, a total of 
779 regular notifications were submitted, of which 75% were by developing -country Members. 
Overall, during the period under review, there was an 8% decrease in the total number of regular 
notifications.  
3.48.   The total number of notifications of emergency measures as  well as the share of emergency 
notifications submitted by developing -country Members remained similar to that of the previous 
period ( Chart 3 .11). In the review period, 90% of the 77 notifications of emergency measures were 
submitted by developing -country Members, a similar share as that recorded during the previous 
six-month period . This high proportion of emergency measures notified by developin g-country 
Members might stem from the fact that they do not have as extensive SPS regulatory systems as 
developed -country Members. Consequently, when facing emergency challenges, they are relatively 
more likely to have to introduce new regulations or chang e existing ones.  
Chart 3.11 Number of SPS notifications, including regular, emergency and addenda  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.49.   Many Members are following the recommendation to notify SPS measures even when thes e 
are based on a relevant international standard, as this increases transparency regarding SPS 
measures. Of the 564 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted during the review period , 
267 (47% of the total) indicated that an international standar d, guideline or recommendation was 
applicable to the notified measure. Of these,  62% referred to Codex, 22% to IPPC and 16% to OIE 
(Chart  3.12). Furthermore, the notification formats include an entry enquiring whether the proposed 
regulation conforms to the relevant international standard. Of the notifications that have identified 
a relevant international standard, 75% indicated that the measure was in conformity with, or 
substantially the same as, the existing international standard, guideline or recomme ndation.  
779
583718
49480
7277
69
02004006008001,0001,200
All Members Developing-country
MembersAll Members Developing-country
MembersChart SPS.1
Number of SPS notifications, including regular, emergency and addenda
Source: WTOSecretariat.Regular notifications Emergency notificationsApr. 2018 -Sep. 2018 Oct. 2018 -Mar. 2019WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 42 - 
 
  Chart 3.12 Regular SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international standards  
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection C onvention (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.50.   International standards often provide useful guidance regarding measures to address disease 
outbreaks and other emergency situations. For example, 89% of the 70 emergency notifications 
(excluding addenda) submitted in the review period indicated that an international standard, 
guideline or recommendation was applicable to the notified measure ( Chart 3 .13). 94% of these 
indicated that the measure was in conformity with the existing international standard.  
Chart 3.13 Emergency SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international 
standards  
 
Note:  Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Conventi on (IPPC).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.51.   Of the 564 regular notifications (excluding addenda) submitted during the review period, the 
majority were related to food safety.23 The remaining notifications related to plant protection, animal 
health, the protection of humans from animal diseases or plant pests and the protection of the 
                                                
23 The objective of an SPS  measure falls under one or more of the following categories:  (i) food safety, 
(ii) animal health, (iii) plant protection, (iv) protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, and (v)  protect 
territory from other damages from pests. Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their 
notifications. It is not uncommon for more than one objective to be identified for a measure.  
Codex
62%
OIE
16%
IPPC
22%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart SPS.2
Regular SPS notifications (excluding addenda) and international standards
None
53%Relevant 
international 
standard
47%
Note: Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant Protection 
Convention (IPPC).
Codex
2%
OIE
85%
IPPC
13%
Source: WTO Secretariat.Chart 3.11  Emergency SPS notifications (exluding addenda) and international 
standards
None
11%Relevant 
international 
standard
89%
Note: Codex Alimentarius (Codex), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and International Plant 
Protection Convention (IPPC).WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 43 - 
 
  Member's territory from other damage from pests. Several of the regular notifications identified 
more than one objective per measure.  
3.52.   Of the 70 emergency measures (excluding addenda), the majority related to animal health, 
followed by food safety, measures related to  the protection of humans from animal diseases or plant 
pests, plant protection and th e protection of the Member's territory from other damage from pests. 
Similarly, most of the notified emergency measures identified more than one objective per measure.  
3.53.   While there is no formal provision for "counter notification", concerns regarding the fa ilure to 
notify an SPS measure, or on a notified SPS measure, can be raised as a Specific Trade Concern 
(STCs) at any of the three regular meetings of the SPS Committee each year. In the two Committee 
meetings of 1 -2 November 2018 and 21 -22 March 2019, nin e new STCs were raised. Five of these 
STCs related to food safety, two to animal health, and two to other types of concerns (Table  3.10). 
Table 3.10 New STCs raised in the November 2018 and March 2019 SPS Comm ittee 
meetings  
STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the 
measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  Date raised  Primary 
objective  
448 EU MRLs for 
buprofezin, 
diflubenzuron, 
ethoxysulfuron, 
ioxynil, molinate, 
picoxystrobin and 
tepraloxydim 
(G/SPS/N/EU/264)  European 
Union  Colombia; 
India Argentina; 
Brazil; Canada; 
Chile; 
Costa  Rica; 
Ecuador; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Nicaragua; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
Peru; Turkey; 
United States  01/11/2018  Food 
safety  
449 The Russian 
Federation's 
bluetongue -related 
import restriction on 
ruminants  Russian 
Federation  European 
Union   01/11/2018  Animal 
Health  
450 Viet Nam's import 
restrictions in the 
draft law of animal 
production  Viet Nam  United 
States  Canada; 
Paraguay  01/11/2018  Food 
safety  
451 Thailand's import 
fees related to 
approval procedures 
for live animals 
and/or animal 
products 
(G/SPS/N/THA/243)  Thailand  United 
States   01/11/2018  Other 
concerns  
452 European Court of 
Justice Opinion 
528/16 on 
organisms obtained 
by mutagenesis  European 
Union  United 
States  Argentina; 
Paraguay  01/11/2018  Other 
concerns  
453 EU restrictions on 
the use of 
chlorothalonil 
(pesticide active 
substance) 
(G/TBT/N/EU/625)  European 
Union  Colombia  Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of; 
Brazil; Chile; 
Costa Rica; 
Ecuador; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
Turkey; 
United  States  21/03/2019  Food 
Safety  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 44 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the 
measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  Date raised  Primary 
objective  
454 EU transitional 
periods for MRLs and 
international 
consultations  European 
Union  Colombia  Brazil; Chile; 
China; 
Costa  Rica; 
Ecuador; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
Peru; Turkey; 
United States  21/03/2019  Food 
Safety  
455 Indonesia's undue 
delay in 
authorization 
procedures for beef  Indonesia  Brazil  Philippines  21/03/2019  Food 
Safety  
456 Republic of Korea' s 
import restrictions 
on poultry due to 
highly pathogenic 
avian influenza  Korea, 
Republic of  European 
Union  Russian 
Federation  21/03/2019  Animal 
Health  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.54.   24 previously raised STCs were discussed at the November 2018 or March 2019 SPS 
Committee meetings.24 Of these, 7 addressed persistent problems that have been discussed 7 times 
or more, including 3 STCs which have been discussed 11, 13 and 35 times respectively ( Table  3.11). 
3 STCs raised for the first time in November 2018 were discussed again in March  2019.25 
Table 3.11 Previously -raised STCs discussed in the November 2018 and/or March 2019 
SPS Committee meetings  
STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised  Primary 
Objective  Times 
subsequently  
raised  
193 General import 
restrictions due to 
Bovine Spongiform 
Encephalopathy 
(BSE)  Certain 
Members  European 
Union; 
United 
States  Canada; 
Switzerland; 
Uruguay  01/06/2004  Animal 
Health  35 
344 Measures on 
shrimp  Brazil  Ecuador   18/10/2012  Animal 
Health  6 
382 European Union 
revised proposal 
for categorization 
of compounds as 
endocrine 
disruptors  European 
Union  Argentina; 
China; India; 
United 
States  Australia; 
Benin; Brazil; 
Burkina Faso; 
Burundi; 
Canada; 
Central African 
Republic; 
Chile; 
Colombia; 
Costa Rica; 
Dominican 
Republic; 
Ecuador; 
Egypt; El 
Salvador; The 
Gambia; 
Ghana; 
Guatemala; 
Guinea; 
Honduras; 
Indonesia; 
Jamaica; 
Kenya; Korea, 
Republic of; 25/03/2014  Food Safety  13 
                                                
24 In fact, 13  of the previously raised STCs were discussed in both meetings.  
25 These were STC 4 48, STC 4 49 an d STC  450. WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 45 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised  Primary 
Objective  Times 
subsequently  
raised  
Madagascar; 
Malaysia; 
Mexico; New 
Zealand; 
Nigeria; 
Pakistan; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
Peru; 
Philippines; 
Senegal; 
Sierra Leone; 
South Africa; 
Chinese 
Taipei; 
Thailand; 
Togo; 
Uruguay; Viet 
Nam; Zambia  
390 The Russian 
Federation's 
import  restrictions 
on processed 
fishery products 
from Estonia and 
Latvia  Russian 
Federation  European 
Union   15/07/2015  Food Safety  11 
395 China's proposed 
amendments to 
the 
implementation 
regulations on 
safety assessment 
of agricultural 
GMOs  China  Paraguay; 
United 
States   15/07/2015  Food Safety  8 
406 China's import 
restrictions due to 
Highly Pathogenic 
Avian Influenza  China  European 
Union; 
United 
States   16/03/2016  Animal 
Health  8 
411 Russian Federation 
import restrictions 
on certain animal 
products from 
Germany  Russian 
Federation  European 
Union   30/06/2016  Food Safety  7 
413 Guatemala's 
restrictions on egg 
products  Guatemala  Mexico   27/10/2016  Food Safety  2 
414 Indonesia's food 
safety measures 
affecting 
horticultural 
products and 
animal products  Indonesia  Philippines   27/10/2016  Food Safety  1 
421 Thailand's import 
restriction on 
papaya seeds  Thailand  Chinese 
Taipei   22/03/2017  Plant 
Health  5 
427 India's fumigation 
requirements for 
cashew nuts  India Madagascar; 
Senegal  Burkina Faso; 
Colombia; 
Ghana; Kenya; 
Mali; 
Mozambique; 
Nigeria; 
Russian 
Federation; 
Togo; Ukraine; 
United States  13/07/2017  Plant 
Health  3 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 46 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised  Primary 
Objective  Times 
subsequently  
raised  
430 EU maximum level 
of cadmium in 
foodstuffs  European 
Union  Colombia; 
Côte 
d'Ivoire; 
Ecuador; 
Madagascar; 
Peru Bolivia, 
Plurinational 
State of; 
Brazil; 
Costa  Rica; 
Dominican 
Republic; 
El Salvador; 
Ghana; 
Guatemala; 
Indonesia; 
Nicaragua; 
Nigeria; 
Panama; 
Trinidad and 
Tobago; 
United  States  02/11/2017  Food Safety  3 
431 South Africa's 
import restrictions 
on poultry due to 
Highly Pathogenic 
Avian Influenza  South Africa  European 
Union   02/11/2017  Animal 
Health  4 
432 EU restrictions on 
poultry meat due 
to Salmonella 
detection  European 
Union  Brazil   02/11/2017  Food Safety  3 
438 Viet Nam's market 
access 
requirements for 
''white'' offals  Viet Nam  United 
States  New Zealand  01/03/2018  Other 
Concerns  1 
439 US import 
restrictions on 
apples and pears  United States  European 
Union   01/03/2018  Plant 
Health  3 
440 New Zealand's 
draft import health 
standard for 
vehicles, 
machinery and 
equipment  New Zealand  Japan   12/07/2018  Plant 
Health  2 
441 Lack of 
transparency and 
undue delays in 
Indonesia's 
approval 
procedures for 
animal products  Indonesia  European 
Union  Brazil  12/07/2018  Other 
Concerns  2 
442 EU Commission 
Decision 
2002/994/EC on 
animal products  European 
Union  China   12/07/2018  Food Safety  2 
446 EU review of 
legislation on 
veterinary 
medicinal products  European 
Union  Argentina; 
United 
States  Australia; 
Brazil; 
Canada; Chile; 
Colombia; 
Paraguay  12/07/2018  Food Safety  2 
447 New EU definition 
of the fungicide 
folpet  European 
Union  China   12/07/2018  Food Safety  2 
448 EU MRLs for 
buprofezin, 
diflubenzuron, 
ethoxysulfuron, 
ioxynil, molinate, 
picoxystrobin and 
tepraloxydim 
(G/SPS/N/EU/264)  European 
Union  Colombia; 
India Argentina; 
Brazil; 
Canada; Chile; 
Costa Rica; 
Ecuador; 
Guatemala; 
Honduras; 
Nicaragua; 
Panama; 
Paraguay; 
Peru; Turkey; 
United States  01/11/2018  Food Safety  1 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 47 - 
 
  STC Document title  Members 
maintaining 
the measure  Members 
raising the 
concern  Members 
supporting 
the concern  First date 
raised  Primary 
Objective  Times 
subsequently  
raised  
449 The Russian 
Federation's 
bluetongue -related 
import restriction 
on ruminants  Russian 
Federation  European 
Union   01/11/2018  Animal 
Health  1 
450 Viet Nam's import 
restrictions in the 
draft law of animal 
production  Viet Nam  United 
States  Canada; 
Paraguay  01/11/2018  Food Safety  1 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.55.   Out of the 33 STCs discussed in the reviewed period, 18 were raised due to measures 
implemented by Members on food safety, 7 on animal health, 4 on plant health, and 4 related to 
other types of concerns (i.e. control, inspection and approval procedures).   
Box 3.3 Enhancing monitoring and transparency in SPS and TBT  
Accessing relevant information on SPS or TBT product requirements in export markets can represent a 
significant challenge, in particular for  SMEs. The WTO helps address this potential trade barrier through a 
combination of transparency requirements included in the SPS and TBT Agreements and online tools that 
make information easily accessible: the SPS and TBT Information Management Systems (SP S/TBT IMSs) and 
ePing.  
WTO Members are required to notify proposed SPS and TBT measures if they may significantly affect 
international trade. Each year, the WTO receives more than 3,500 such notifications.  
Publicly -available online tools assist stakeholde rs in finding notifications of relevance to their trade:  
 - SPS IMS : www.spsims.wto.org ,  
 - TBT IMS : www.tbtims.wto.org , and  
 - ePing : www.epingalert.org .  
The SPS/TBT IMSs  are search -platforms that, among other things, help identify SPS or TBT notifications by 
using parameters such as product, notifying Member or objective. The ePing  is an online alert system allowing 
users (governments, economic operators, and civil society) to receive  daily or weekly email alerts about SPS 
and TBT notifications covering products and markets of interest to them.  
Timely access to notifications is crucial, given the 60 -day period that should normally be provided for 
submitting comments on regulations, us ually still in draft form. The ePing platform also facilitates dialogue 
among the public and private sectors to discuss and share information on notifications of concern, allowing 
stakeholders to address potential trade problems at an early stage of the re gulatory lifecycle . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.4  Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)26 
3.56.   Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are required to notify their intention to introduce 
new or modified TBT measures, or to notify adopted emergency measures immediately. The  principal 
objective of complying with the TBT notification obligations is to inform other Members about new 
or changed regulations that may  significantly affect trade.27 Therefore, an increased number of 
notifications does not necessarily imply greater use  of trade -restrictive measures. Rather, TBT 
notification obligations are meant to promote enhanced transparency regarding measures taken to 
                                                
26 For the TBT Section, the review period covers 1 October 2018 to 30 April  2019.  
27 Under the TBT Agreement, WTO Members are not required to notify all  proposed TBT  measures 
(technical  regulations or conformity assessment procedures). Rather, as a minimum, they are only required to 
notify those measures that may  have a significant effect on trade of other Members and are not in accordance 
with a relevant  international standard (in the case of technical regulations), or relevant guides  or 
recommendations issued by international standardizing bodies (in the case of conformity assessment 
procedures). However, the TBT Committee, in its Sixth Triennial Review,  encouraged Members, "for the 
purpose of enhancing predictability and transparency in situations where it is difficult to establish or foresee 
whether a draft technical regulation or conformity assessment procedure may  have a 'significant effect on 
trade o f other Members', to notify such measures." This recommendation was reiterated by the TBT Committee 
at its Eighth , and last,  Triennial Review (November 2018).  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 48 - 
 
  address legitimate policy objectives, e.g. the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, or 
the environme nt.28 
3.57.   From 1 October 2018 to 30 April 2019  WTO Members submitted 1,250 new regular 
notifications of TBT measures,29 roughly the same volume of notifications registered in preceding 
seven -month period.30 The clear majority of regular TBT notifications submitte d during the review 
period (around 85%) continue to come from developing countries.  
3.58.   The Members which notified the most measures during the review period  – covering more 
than 62% of all new regular notifications  – were Uganda (130) , Kenya (119) , 
the European  Union  (99)31, Kuwait (86) , United Arab Emirates , Kingdom of Bahrain , 
Kingdom  of Saudi Arabia , Oman , Qatar , and Yemen  (74) (collectively as Gulf  Cooperation Council 
(GCC) Standardization Organization (GSO) members)32, United States (64) , Tanzania (54 ), 
Rwanda  (51), Republic of Korea (38) , Chinese Taipei (34) , and China (31).  
3.59.   Of the 1,250  new regular TBT notifications received during the review  period, the majority 
indicated the protection of human health or safety as the main objective.33 The remainin g 
notifications related to consumer information, labelling, prevention of deceptive practices and 
consumer protection, and quality requirements.  
3.60.   A total of 629 "follow -up notifications"34 were submitted during the review period, only slightly 
more than tho se submitted during the preceding seven -month  period (611). The continuing and 
frequent use by Members of this type of notification s is a positive development, as it increases 
transparency and predictability across the measures' regulatory lifecycle.  
3.61.   WTO Members use the TBT Committee as a forum for discussing trade issues related to 
specific TBT measures (technical regulations, standards or conformity assessment procedures) 
maintained by other Members. These STCs normally relate to proposed draft measures notified to 
the TBT  Committee or to the implementation of existing measures. Issues can range from simple 
requests for additional information and clarification to questions on the consistency of measures with 
TBT Agreement disciplines.  
3.62.   A total of 121 (19  new and 102  previously -raised ) STCs were discussed during the 
2 Committee meetings that fell within the review period: 62 (8  new and 54 previously -raised)  at the 
November  2018 meeting and 59 (11  new and 48 previously -raised) at the March  2019 meeting.  
3.63.   As depicted in Table 3.12 the 19 new STCs concerned TBT measures by the 
European  Union  (4), Chile (2), Republic of  Korea  (2), as well as by the GCC members, Brazil, China, 
Dominican  Republic, Egypt, Israel, Jamaica, Russian Federation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Trinidad 
and Tobago and Uruguay (one each). The new STCs covered regulations on a range of products 
(milk, grape and wine products, poultry, cosmetic and hygiene products, chemi cals, electrical and 
                                                
28 TBT Agreement obligations are also subject to 25 separate technical assistance and s pecial and 
differential treatment (S&D) pr ovisions, conferring developing -country Members, and LDC Members in 
particular, with certain flexibilities. The TBT  Agreement contains more S&D provisions than any other WTO 
agreement apart from the GATT  1994.  For more inform ation see WTO document WT/C OMTD/W/239 , 
12 October 2018, Section  2.5 (TBT), and also comparative Table in pages 5 -6. 
29 Available at : http://tbtims.wto.org . 
30 From 1 March to 30 September 2018, the overall number of new regular notifications was 1 ,265. 
31 52 EU-wide regular notifications plus 47 notifications from certain individual EU member States: 
the Czech Republic ( 8), Belgium (2), Finland (22),  France ( 2), Germany (1), Hungary (1), Italy ( 1), 
Lithuania  (2), Slovenia  (6), Spain ( 1), and the United  Kingdom  (1). 
32 The GSO -GCC has ad hoc Observer status to the TBT  Committee.  
33 A TBT measure may  pursue a variety of legitimate objectives, although historically the majority fall 
under one of the following categorie s: the protection of human, animal or plant life or health, or the 
environment. Members are required to identify the purpose of the measure in their notifications. It is not 
uncommon that more than one objective is identified for a measure.  
34 Follow -up not ifications are called "addenda", "corrigenda", or "supplements". They can also be in the 
form of "revisions" when the original measure has been substantially re -drafted prior to adoption or entry into 
force. A revision replaces the original notification. T hey are linked to the original notification of a measure, and 
include additional pertinent information, such as the extension of a notification comment period (addenda), the 
withdrawal or revocation of a measure (addenda), when a measure is substantially r edrafted prior to adoption 
or entry into force (revision), or when the adopted final text of a measure becomes available (addenda). See  
WTO document  G/TBT/35 , 24 June 2014,  for further information on different types of TBT notifications.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 49 - 
 
  electronic equipment, tobacco products, plastic products, alcoholic beverages, pesticides, etc.), 
dealing with a variety of issues  (labelling and packaging, product traceability, product classification, 
harmonization, product quality, halal certification, health and safety, environmental protection, 
recycling, energy efficiency, etc.).  
Table 3.12 New STCs raised in the TBT Committee  
New STCs  
European Union : Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules and procedures 
for compliance with and enforcement of Union harmonization legislation on products and amending relevant 
regulations (ID 565) (raised by China and Canada)   
Chile: Public Consultation for draft legislation setting out rules on the preparation, description and labelling 
of milk products deriving from milk (ID 566) (raised by European Union and United States)  
Russian Federation : Federal Law No . 487-FZ, providing a fra mework for comprehensive use of special 
labelling and traceability of goods and Decision No. 792 -r specifying the goods to which labelling will apply 
and the dates of introduction of the mandatory labelling (ID 567)  (raised by European Union)  
Brazil: Technical Regulation 14, 8 February 2018, to set the additional official identity, quality standards for 
wine and derivatives of grape and wine products as well as the requirements to be acquainted and Technical 
Regulation No. 48, 31 August 2018 , published  in the Official Gazette on 10 September 2018 (ID 568) (raised 
by European Union)  
Dominican Republic:  Regulation on Cosmetic and Hygiene Products (ID 569) ( raised by Mexico and United 
States ) 
Chile: Regulations on the classification, labelling and notification of chemical substances and mixtures 
(ID 570) (raised by Mexico)  
Egypt: Halal requirements for Poultry Parts and Offal (ID 571)  (raised by United States ); 
Kingdom of Bahrain, State of Kuwait, Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman,  
United Arab Emirates, Yemen: GCC Technical Regulations for the Restriction of  
the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment (572)  (raised by 
European  Union and United States ) 
Israel: Bill on the Restriction on Advertising and Marketing of Tobacco Products (Amendment No.  7, 
5778-2018) (ID 573) ( raised by Dominican Republic)  
Trinidad and Tobago: Regulation related to the prohibition, of commercialization and importation of plastic 
products of polystyrene (ID 574)  (raised by Dominican Republic)  
European Union:  Draft Commission Regulation laying down eco -design requirements for electronic displays 
pursuant to Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, amending Commission 
Regulation (EC) No . 1275/2008 and repealing Commission Regulation (EC) 642/2009 (and its accompanying 
annexes)" (ID 575) ( raised by China, United States and Japan ) 
China: Draft Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (Draft) (ID 576) ( raised by  Japan, 
Republic  of Korea, United States and European Union)  
Republic of Korea: Warning statement and graphic health warnings on alcoholic beverages (ID 577) ( raised 
by United States)  
Uruguay: Labelling of Packaged Food (ID 578)  (raised by Costa Rica, United States, European Union  and 
Guatemala)  
European Union: Chlorothalonil (pesticide active substance) (ID 579)  (raised by  Colombia, Guatemala,  
United States, Brazil, Panama, Paraguay, Ecuador, Canada, Costa Rica and Honduras)  
European Union: Transitional periods for Minimum Residual Limits (MRLs) and international consultations 
(ID 580)  (raised by  Colombia, Guatemala,  United States, Brazil, Panama, Paraguay, Ecuador and Costa Rica)  
Jamaica: The Trade (Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order, 2018, adopted on 24 Decemb er 2018, 
contained in the Jamaica Gazette Supplement No. 146 and The Natural Resources Conservation Authority Act 
(Plastic Packaging Materials Prohibition) Order 2018, adopted on 24 December 2018, contained in the Jamaica 
Gazette No. 145 (ID 581)  (raised b y Dominican Republic)  
Republic of Korea: Regulation on Energy Efficiency Management Equipment (ID 582)  (raised by China)  
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Technical Regulation for plastic products OXO – biodegradable (ID 583)  (raised 
by European Union and United States)  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.64.   As indicated in Chart 3.14, STCs are frequently discussed in the regular meetings of the 
TBT Committee, with almost 60 STCs discussed per  meeting in recent years. Depending on the 
extent of the trade -restrictiveness  and importance of the issue to the Member(s) raising the STC, 
the same measure may come  up at one or more meetings of the TBT Committee. For example, an 
STC may be discussed at only one meeting as a new STC, and subsequently a resolution to the trade 
conce rn may be found. Alternatively, an STC may be discussed at subsequent meetings, as a 
previously -raised STC. Previously -raised STCs, in particular long -standing ("persisting") ones, WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 50 - 
 
  generally involve more serious and/or complex concerns. Since 1995, Members  have raised 581 new 
STCs.  
Chart 3.14 STCs raised per committee meeting from 2009 to 2018  
 
Note:  The methodology of counting previously -raised STCs has been revised. The new methodology counts 
an STC each time it is raised: if raised for the first time, it is counted as a new STC, and if it is raised 
again, it is counted as a previously -raised STC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.65.   Overall, the number of new and previously -raised STCs has been increasing every year, 
despite Members raising fewer new STCs (Chart 3.15 ). This may in part be because they have raised 
more previous  STCs in recent years. Since 2008, Members have raised more than 100  STCs (new 
and previous) every year ( Chart 3.16). During the 3 Committee meetings held in 2018 for example, 
184 STCs were discussed, which represents a 136% increase compared to 2008, when only 78  STCs 
were raised. This is a new peak in the Committee. The number of new concerns, however, dropped 
to 22, 5 fewer than in 2017. This continues the declining trend in the number of new concerns raised 
in the Committee since 2014 (47), a decrease of 5 3%. On the other hand, the numbe r of times 
previously raised STC were discussed continues to increase.35 The overall trend suggests an 
increasing use of the TBT Committee as a forum for Members to raise and resolve trade concerns 
non-litigiously.  
                                                
35 See Twenty -Fourth Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the TBT Agreement, WTO 
document G/TBT/4 2, 25 February 2019 , para.  4.2. 
44354465
40515560 58 5947
365159
39465056 596240
465535
515156576263
131
117150159
130148161173179184
020406080100120140160180200
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
November Meeting June Meeting March MeetingChart TBT.1 STCs raised per committee meeting, 2009 -2018
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Note:   [See note in draft].WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 51 - 
 
  Chart 3.15 STCs raised from 199 5 to 2018  
 
Note:  The methodology of counting previously -raised STCs has been revised. The new methodology counts 
an STC each time it is raised: if raised for the first time, it is counted as a new STC, and if it is raised 
again, it is counted as a previously -raised STC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Chart 3.16 Number of TBT notifications and new STCs, 1995 to 2018  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.66.   The number of times that an STC is raised may be related to the importance Members attach 
to the concern or may provide insight into whether progress was made in addressing such concerns. 
STCs which are raised at only one or two meetings may represent conc erns for which some progress 
was found. On the other hand, longstanding STCs raised at five or more meetings may represent 
4 611 13513 152015 14 1224 273246
2943354247373127224612
12322034
2235
2041517485
88107 124
88101 124142 152 162
4101725
1745
3554
3749
326578106131
117150159
130148161173179184
020406080100120140160180200
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
New STCs
 Previously raised STCsChart TBT.2   STCs raised from 1995 to 2018
Note:   [See text in draft].
Source:   WTO Secretariat.
020406080100120140160180200
05001,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,500
All notifications New and previous STCsChart TBT.3   Number of TBT notifications and new STCs, 1995 -2018
Source:   WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 52 - 
 
  concerns on which less progress has been made. As mentioned above, STCs frequently discussed at 
subsequent meetings as previously -raised STCs usually represent more serious concerns. From 1995 
to 2018, for instance, the majority of STCs (56%), however, have been raised at one or 
two Committee meetings, while 26% were raised three  to five times. Only 18% STCs were raised 
more than five times ( Chart  3.17).  
Chart 3.17 STCs raised in the TBT Committee, 1995 -2018  
(Number of times)  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat. Twenty ‑Fourth Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the 
TBT Agreement, WTO document G/TBT/42 , 25 February 2019, Chart  30. 
3.67.   During the 2 Committee meetings covered by the review period, 8 "persistent"  STCs – i.e. 
those previously -raised STCs raised more than 16 times in Committee meetings – were discussed 
(Table  3.13). All of these "persistent" STCs concerned measures by G20 economies.  
Table 3.13 Persistent STCs raised between 1 October 2018 and 30 April 2019  
Persistent STCs  
India:  New Telecommunications related Rules (Department of Telecommunications, No. 842 -725/2005 -
VAS/Vol.III (3 December 2009); No. 10 -15/2009 -AS-III/193 (18 March 2010); and Nos. 10 -15/2009 -
AS.III/Vol.II/(Pt.)/(25 -29) (28 July 2010); Department of Telecommunications, No. 10 -15/2009 -
AS.III/Vol.II/(Pt.)/(30) (28 July 2010) and accompanying template, "Security and Business Continuity 
Agreement") (ID 274) – raised 24 times  since 2010  
China:  Provisions for the Administration of Cosmetics Application Acceptance (ID 296) – raised 24 times  
since 2011  
China: Requirements for information security products, including, inter alia , the Office of State Commercial 
Cryptography Administration (OSCCA) 1999 Regulation on commercial encryption products and its ongoing 
revision and the Multi -Level Protection Scheme (MLPS ) (ID 294) – raised 23 times  since 2011  
Korea, Republic of:  Regulation on Registration and Evaluation of Chemical Material  (ID 305) – raised 
20 times  since 2011 
Indonesia:  Technical Guidelines for the Implementation of the Adoption and Supervision of Ind onesian 
National Standards for Obligatory Toy Safety (ID 328) – raised 20 times  since 2011  
Russian Federation: Draft Technical Regulation on Alcohol Drinks Safety (published on 24 October 2011) 
(ID 332) – raised 20 times  since 2012  
European Union:  Draft Implementing Regulations amending Regulation (EC) No. 607/2009 laying down 
detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No . 479/2008 as regards  protected designations 
of origin and geographical indications, traditional terms, labelling and presentation of certain wine sector 
products (ID 345) – raised 18 times  since 2012  
India:  India – Electronics and Information Technology Goods (Requirements f or Compulsory Registration) 
Order, 2012 (ID 367) – raised 17 times  since 2013  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.   
3.68.   Various new and previously -raised STCs discussed during the review period involved 
regulations on labelling requirements of various products, including  labelling of packaged food, 
alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, food products, milk products, and chemical substances. Box 3.4 
1-2 meetings
56%
3-5 meetings
26%>5 meetings
18%Chart TBT.1 STCs raised in the TBT Committee, 1995 -2018
Source: WTO Secretariat. Twenty -Fourth Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the 
TBTAgreement, G/TBT/42 (25 February 2019), Chart 30.(Number of times)WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 53 - 
 
  takes a closer look at these types of measures as notified to, and discussed in, the TBT Committee 
over the years.   
Box 3.4 Labelling requirements and the TBT Agreement  
In addition to technical regulations and standards regulating the content of products, or the way they are 
produced, the TBT  Agreement also covers measures addres sing terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or 
labelling of products ("labelling requirements"). The preamble of the TBT Agreement states that WTO  Members 
agree to " ensure that technical regulations and standards, including … labelling requirements, … do  not create 
unnecessary obstacles to international trade ".a 
Labelling requirements are increasingly commonb and, since most goods placed on the market are subject to 
labelling, this type of measure affects a large portion of global trade. In fact, around  25% of all measures 
notified  to the TBT Committee since 1995 deal exclusively, or partially, with labelling requirements. Labelling 
requirements can be specified in a wide variety of ways. For example, they have been understood as including 
any " measures re gulating the kind, colour and size of printing on packages and labels and defining the 
information that should be provided to the consumer. Labelling is any written, electronic, or graphic 
communication on the packaging or on a separate but associated labe l, or on the product itself. It may include 
requirements on the official language to be used as well as technical information on the product, such as 
voltage, components, instruction on use, safety, and security advice ."c Although labelling requirements ar e 
sometimes viewed as less trade -restrictive alternatives to other more stringent forms of regulatory 
interventions (fully prohibiting products with a certain characteristic, for instance), they may sometimes 
nonetheless have a significant impact on trade,  depending on their content, scope or nature.  
Mindful of the growing importance of labelling requirements, WTO Members recently decided that the 
TBT Committee's 2019 -21 work plan should include:  
• holding a discussion on how to facilitate compliance with mandatory marking and labelling 
requirements on products, and  
• considering the need for further work in the Committee on this topic, including on a sectoral basis, as 
appropriate .d 
Labelling is amon g the most frequently -discussed issue in the TBT  Committee in the context of STCs . Around 
50% of all of the 581 new STCs raised in the Committee since 1995 involve measures dealing exclusively, or 
partially, with labelling requirements.  
The labelling -related measures discussed in the Committee covered and addressed a wide variety of products 
and issues. In terms of their coverage , products affected included: different types of foods  (e.g. pasta, palm 
oil, milk, tuna, meat, GM soya, maize); alcoholic and no n-alcoholic beverages  (e.g. wine, beer, spirits, coffee, 
fruit juices); tobacco products  (e.g. cigarettes, cigars); cosmetics  (childen's bathroom products, shampoos, 
conditioners, eye pencils, blushes, lipsticks, hair colourants); appliances  (e.g. domestic  gas cooking 
appliances, steel and rubber hoses for gas stoves, plastic trays, dishwashers); electronics  (e.g. cell phones, 
handheld and tablet computers); clothing and textiles  (e.g. leather, footwear products, worn clothing, rags, 
knitted or crocheted we aring apparel); and vehicles and vehicle -related products  (tyres, brake linings for 
automobiles, engines, transmission parts). In terms of their stated legitimate objectives , these measures 
addressed, among others: the protection of human health or safety  (e.g. nutrition or promoting healthy eating 
among children and adolescents); the protection of the environment  (e.g. recyclable products' common logo 
to simplify waste sorting the promotion of efficient and effective water -use and water -saving technologie s); 
and consumer information  and protection  (e.g. information on water -saving products,  labelling on products 
without expiration date). Additionally, the problems or issues more commonly mentioned by WTO Members 
raising such labelling -related concerns incl uded: the need for further information or clarification on aspects of 
the measure; the use (or non -use) of international standards; uncertainty with respect to the rationale or 
legitimacy of the measure; the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade; the d iscriminatory nature of the 
measure; insufficient time to adapt to the new requirements (i.e. "reasonable interval" between the adoption 
and entry into effect of the measure); and transparency (e.g. measure not notified to the Committee).e 
Finally, TBT mea sures containing labelling requirements also feature prominently in formal WTO disputes . 
Since 1995, there have been 8 key TBT disputes  – i.e. disputes that proceeded beyond consultationsf and 
resulted in Panel and Appellate Body reports with findings most ly or significantly based on the TBT  Agreement. 
Half of these concerned labelling measures: EC – Sardines ; US – Tuna II; US – COOL ; and Australia  – Tobacco 
Plain Packaging . More broadly, 17 of the 54 formal consultation requests lodged in the WTO since 199 5 
containing at least one TBT claim (most of which never proceeded beyond this initial phase of the WTO dispute 
settlement procedures) concerned labelling measures.g 
a https://www.wto. org/english/docs_e/legal_e/17 -tbt_e.htm .  
b Twenty -Fourth Annual Review of the Implementation and Operation of the TBT Agreement, G/TBT/42 (25 
February 2019), para.  3.16; Chart 17.  
c International Classification of Non -Tariff Measures (ICNTM) – 2019 (unedited) version (UNCTAD) 
https://unctad.org/meetings/en/SessionalDocuments/ditc_ta b_NTM_Week_INTERIM_2019_en.pdf . 
d Eighth Triennial Review of the Operation and Implementation of the TBT Agreement, WTO document 
G/TBT/41 , 19 November  2018, para.  3.2(a).  
e Available at : http://tbtims.wto.org . WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 54 - 
 
  f Accor ding to WTO dispute settlement procedures, the first step for lodging a dispute is for the complaining 
Member to request and hold "consultations" with the Member (the "respondent") whose measure is being 
challenged. If consultations do not result in an ami cable solution, the dispute can then proceed to the 
panel – and more litigious phase.  
g Including consultation requests for the four key TBT disputes already mentioned above. More information 
on WTO disputes can be found at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/dispu_e.htm .  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.69.   The following Box on NTMs and trade has been provided by the OECD.  
Box 3.5 NTMs and trade  
The term "non -tariff measures" (NTMs) covers a diverse set of policies in terms of purpose, legal form and 
economic effect. They comprise all policy measures other than tariffs and tariff -rate quotas that have a more 
or less direct effect on the price of traded products, the quantity of traded products, or both. Generally, NTMs 
stem from domestic regulations that aim to overcome or reduce the impacts of market imperfections, such as 
those related to negative exter nalities, information asymmetries, and risks for human, animal or plant health. 
They also tend to increase production and trade costs and can influence, positively or negatively, the 
development of new technologies or production methods.  
Recent OECD effor ts to estimate the costs of NTMs using ad valorem  equivalents (AVEs) show that for most 
economies, current NTM levels are more than twice that of tariffs. Thus, international trade in goods and 
services can be strongly affected by NTMs. However, unlike tar iffs, NTMs can have both positive and negative 
effects on trade: for example, compulsory labelling to address information asymmetries can increase the costs 
to businesses, but also provide a signal of quality, strengthening consumer confidence in foreign p roducts. In 
this way, NTMS can be trade -creating.  
As NTMs serve important policy objectives, and can be trade -creating, the aim is not for governments simply 
to eliminate them as they would eliminate tariffs. That said, there is scope to lower the costs as sociated with 
NTMs for traders, while still allowing governments to meet their objectives. A growing body of evidence, 
including recent estimates by the OECD, suggests that reducing regulatory heterogeneity  reduces these trade 
costs (OECD, 2017, Cadot et a l., 2018).a That is, the greater the regulatory distance between trading partners, 
the larger the trade costs (AVEs) associated with NTMs, while greater regulatory similarity reduces these costs 
(Cadot et al., 2018). There is thus scope to reduce unnecessa ry trade costs associated with NTMs by reducing 
regulatory differences, including through use of international standards and various avenues for international 
regulatory cooperation.  
Analysis using the OECD's METRO model shows that, if the unnecessary tra de costs associated with NTMs for 
all G20 members were reduced to the lowest level among G20 members, both imports and exports would 
increase significantly (an average increase across the G20  economies  of over 5.5%, with individual countries 
benefiting mor e). The reduction in trade costs from NTMs also contributes to expansions in domestic 
production as high as 3%, and increases in household consumption of almost 1.5%, leading to an increase in 
household income across G20  economies of over USD  455 billion.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 55 - 
 
  Figure  1 Change in trade from NTM reduction  
 
Source:  OECD.  
The reduction in unnecessary trade costs associated with NTMs can lead to significant economic gains 
(Figure  1). By taking account of international market effects in designing regulation, and using international 
regulatory cooperation, it is possible to re duce some of the trade costs due to regulatory divergence, without 
constraining governments' rights to regulate in pursuit of legitimate domestic policy objectives.  
a Cadot, O., Gourdon, J., van Tongeren, F. (2018), Estimating Ad  Valorem Equivalents of No n-Tariff 
Measures: Combining Price -Based and Quantity -Based Approaches , OECD Trade Policy Papers, No.  215. 
Viewed  at: https://doi.org/10.1787/f3cd5bdc -en. 
Source:  OECD (2017), International Regulatory Co -operation and Trade: Understanding the Trade Costs of 
Regulatory Divergence and the Remedies, OECD Publishing, Paris. Viewed at: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9 789264275942 -en. 
3.5  Trade Concerns Raised in Other WTO Bodies36 
3.70.   During the review period, a number of trade concerns were raised by Members in formal 
meetings of various WTO bodies. This Section provides a factual overview of such concerns raised 
between mid -October 2018 and mid -May 2019 .37 The trade concerns covered in this Section have 
neither the status nor the procedural framework of the STCs raised in the SPS and TBT Committees. 
Nevertheless, they provide an interesting and up -to-date insight into which tra de issues are being 
discussed by Members across the WTO and, as such, add important transparency. This Section does 
not reproduce the full substantive description of the trade concerns outlined by WTO Members, but 
provides a reference to the formal meeting (s) where a particular issue featured. A full account and 
context of the concerns is provided in the formal meeting records of the respective WTO bodies. The 
list of concerns and issues mentioned in this Section is not exhaustiv e. 
                                                
36 This Section does not include the SPS and TBT Committees (covered separately) . Issues raised in this 
Section may subsequently have become the subject of a dispute.  
37 Members and Observers are encouraged to communicate to the Trade Monitoring Section of the 
WTO's Trade Policy Review Division trade issues which they have raised in WTO bodies and which they believe 
are relevant to t he monitoring exercise.  
Argentina
Aus/NZBrazilCanada
China
FranceGermany
UKItaly
EU24IndonesiaIndiaJapanKorea
MexicoRussiaSouth AfricaTurkey
USA
row
0246810121416182022
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22Import demand Change (in %)
Export demand change (in %)Chart OECD BOX.1 Change in trade from NTM reductionWT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 56 - 
 
  3.71.   At the 7 May 2019 meeting of the General Council38 concerns were raised on: (i) the EU 
safeguard measures on Indica rice from Cambodia (raised by Cambodia); (ii) China's SPS agriculture 
issues, including Canola trade (raised by Canada); and (iii) Brazil's t rade-restrictive measures, which 
related to Brazil's market access for Ecuador's bananas (raised by Ecuador).  
3.72.   At the meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods  (CTG) on 12 and 13 November 201839, new 
concerns were raised on (i) the EU renegotiation of tariff -rate quota commitments in response to 
BREXIT (raised by Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, 
Chinese  Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Uruguay); (ii) the EU enlargement to include Croatia 
(raised by Russian Federatio n); (iii) the US export restrictions on a certain enterprise of China (raised 
by China); (iv) the EU draft implementing regulations regarding protected designations of origin and 
GIs, traditional terms, labelling and presentation of certain wine products ( raised by Argentina and 
United States); and (v) Australia's market access prohibition on 5G equipment (raised by China).  
3.73.   At the meeting, concerns were again raised on: (i) Brazil's measures restricting shrimp 
imports (raised by Ecuador); (ii) a selective t ax by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, 
and United Arab Emirates on certain imported products (raised by European Union, Switzerland, and 
United States); (iii) Indonesia's import and export policies (raised by European  Union, Japan, and 
Norway);  (iv) US measures relating to imports of fish and seafood products (raised by China); (v) 
India's customs duties on ICT products (raised by Canada, China, European Union, Japan, Norway, 
Chinese Taipei, and United States); (vi) Pakistan's measures relating to sugar exports (raised by 
Australia and European Union); (vii) India's measures relating to sugar exports (raised by Australia 
and European Union); (viii) the EU quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs and the 
registration of the term "D anbo" as Geographical Indication (raised by United States and Uruguay); 
(ix) Egypt's manufacturer registration system (raised by European Union) and; (x) Mongolia's 
quantitative restrictions and prohibitions on importation of certain agricultural products (raised by 
Russian Federation).  
3.74.   Additional concerns were repeated on (xi) Viet Nam's decree No. 116/2018 on the regulation 
on conditions for automobiles manufacturing, assembling, importing, and automotive warranty and 
maintenance (raised by Japan and Unit ed States); (xii) China's measures restricting the import of 
scrap materials (raised by United States); (xiii) India's quantitative restrictions on imports of certain 
pulses (raised by Australia, Canada, European Union, Russian Federation, and United State s); 
(xiv) China's customs duties on certain integrated circuits (raised by European Union, Japan, and 
Chinese  Taipei); (xv) China's draft new export control law (raised by Japan); (xvi) the US proposal 
on prohibiting use of universal service support on equipment or services from companies that pose 
national security threats released by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (raised by 
China); (xvii) the US civil aviation security measures (raised by China) and; (xviii) the 
Russian  Federation's tr ade-restricting practices (raised by European Union) . 
3.75.   At the CTG meeting on 11 and 12 April 201940, new concerns were raised on: (i) the EU 
safeguard measures on Indica rice from Cambodia (raised by Cambodia); (ii) the EU regulation 
EC No. 1272/2008 c oncern ing the update of the classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) of 
chemical substance mixtures (raised by Russian Federation); (iii) Jamaica's r egulations  145 and 
146 banning single -use plastic products (raised by Dominican Republic); and (iv) Trinidad  and 
Tobago's a nnouncement concerning the ban on the marketing and importation of polystyrene 
plastics (raised by Dominican Republic). At the same meeting trade concerns were repeated on 
(i) the E uropean Union enlargement to include Croatia (raised by Russ ian Federation); (ii) the 
selective tax on certain imported products by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, 
and the United  Arab Emirates (raised by European Union, Switzerland, and United States); 
(iii) Indonesia's import and export polici es (raised by European Union, Japan, Norway and 
United  States); (iv)  India's customs duties on ICT Products (raised by Canada, China, 
European  Union, Japan, Norway, Chinese  Taipei, and United States); (v) the EU quality schemes for 
agricultural products an d foodstuffs and the registration of certain terms of cheese as geographical 
indications (raised by Argentina, Uruguay, and United States); (vi) Egypt's manufacturer registration 
system (raised by European  Union); (vii)  Mongolia's quantitative restrictions  and prohibitions on 
importation of certain agricultural products (raised by Russian Federation); (viii) Viet Nam's Decree 
No. 116/2018 on the regulation on conditions for automobiles manufacturing, assembling, importing, 
                                                
38 WTO d ocument WT/GC/M/177 (forthcoming ). 
39 WTO d ocument  G/C/M/133 , 17 April 2019 . 
40 WTO d ocument G/C/M/134 (forthcoming).  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  and automotive warranty and mainte nance (raised by United States); (ix) China's measures 
restricting the import of scrap materials (raised by United States) and; (x) India's quantitative 
restrictions on imports of certain pulses (raised by Australia, Canada, European Union, Russian 
Federat ion, and United States).  
3.76.   Additional concerns were repeated on: (xi) China's customs duties on certain integrated 
circuits (raised by European Union, Japan, and Chinese Taipei); (xii) the EU draft implementing 
regulations regarding protected designations o f origin and geographical indications, traditional 
terms, labelling and presentation of certain wine sector products (raised by Argentina and 
United  States); (xiii) China's new draft export control law (raised by Japan); (xiv) the US proposal 
on prohibitin g use of universal service support on equipment or services from companies that pose 
national security threats released by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  (raised by 
China); (xv) Australia's discriminatory market access prohibition on 5G equ ipment (raised by China); 
(xvi) the US measures on aviation security equipment (raised by China); (xvii) the 
Russian  Federation trade -restricting practices (raised by European Union); (xviii) the EU (Croatia) 
regulation of import and sale of certain oil pr oducts (raised by Russian Federation) and; (xix) the EU 
amendments to Directive 2009/28/EC on renewable energy directive (raised by Malaysia and 
Colombia).  
3.77.   At the meeting of the Committee of Participants on the Expansion of Trade in Information 
Technology Products  on 14 May 201941, new and previously repeated trade concerns were raised 
on: (i) India's continued tariff increases for certain ICT products (raised by Canada, China, Japan, 
Republic of Korea, Norway, Chinese Taipei and United States); (ii) China's  new tariffs concerning 
multi component integrated circuits (MCOs) (raised by European Union, Japan and Chinese Taipei); 
and (iii) Indonesia's tariffs on certain ICT products which appeared inconsistent to its bound 
commitments (raised by United States).  
3.78.   At the meeting of the Committee on Import Licensing  (CIL) on 22 October 201842, new and 
persistent trade concerns were raised on: (i) Indonesia's import licensing regime for cell phones, 
handheld computers and tablets (raised by United States); (ii) Indonesi a's import requirements 
related to milk supply and circulation (raised by European Union and United States); (iii) India's 
import licensing requirements for boric acid (raised by United States); (iv) India's import 
requirements on certain pulses (raised by  Australia, Canada and European Union); (v) Viet Nam's 
import licensing for cyber security products (raised by the United States ); (vi) China's changes to 
import licensing for certain recoverable materials (raised by United States); (vii) Thailand's import  
procedures on feed wheat (raised by European Union); (viii) Brazil's import licensing on industrial 
nitrocellulose (raised by European Union); (ix) the Russian Federation's import procedures for 
specified medicines and pharmaceutical products, i.e. the Go od Manufacturing Practice (GMP) 
certificate requirements (raised by European Union).  
3.79.   At the 4 April 201943 CIL meeting, new trade concerns were raised on: (i) Tunisia's 
import -restrictive measures of 28 November 2018 and use of non -automatic licences (raise d by 
European  Union); (ii) Dominican Republic's import licensing permits for agricultural products (raised 
by United  States); (iii) Ghana's import procedures and permits for poultry (raised by United States). 
Persistent trade concerns were reiterated on: ( i) Indonesia's licensing regime on cell phones, 
handheld computers and tablets (raised by United States); (ii) India's import licensing requirements 
on boric acid (raised by United States); (iii) Viet Nam's import licensing for cyber security products 
(raised by United States); (iv) China's import licensing for certain recoverable materials (raised by 
United States); (v) Thailand's import procedures on feed wheat (raised by European Union); and 
(vi) Brazil's import licensing on industrial nitrocellulose (ra ised by European Union).  
3.80.   At the meeting of the Committee on Customs Valuation on 19 November 201844, a new 
concern was raised on Tajikistan's customs valuation procedures and practices (raised by Ukraine). 
At the same meeting concerns were repeated on : (i) Pakistan's determination of the customs value 
of paper (raised by Thailand); (ii) Indonesia's status of PSI notifications (raised by United States) ; 
and (i ii) Egypt's status of PSI notifications (raised by United States) . Moreover, two previously raised 
trade concerns were removed from the agenda following resolution between the concerned Members 
                                                
41 WTO d ocument G/IT/M/70 (forthcoming).  
42 WTO d ocument G/LIC/M/48 , 14 March 2019.  
43 WTO d ocument G/LIC/M/49 ( forthcoming).  
44 WTO document G/VAL/M/67 , 2 April 2019.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 58 - 
 
  regarding (i) Armenia's alleged use of reference prices (raised by United States); and (ii) Oman's 
Customs valuation of cigarettes and introduction of the selective tax (raised by Switzerland).  
3.81.   At the meetings of the Committee on Agriculture (CoA)45 on 26 -27 November  2018 and 
26-27 February 2019 , several questions and concerns were raised wi th respect to Members' 
individual notifications, and on implementation -related issues under Article  18.6. During the review 
period, a total of 210 questions were discussed, on individual notifications (125 questions), 
Article  18.6 issues (75 questions on 44 implementation -related issues ), and on overdue notifications 
(10 questions). Additional details regarding these questions and concerns can be found in 
Section  3.6 of this Report.   
3.82.   At the meetings of the Committee on Anti -Dumping Practices (ADP)46 on 24 October  2018 
and 1  May 2019, concerns were raised as per Table 3. 14. 
Table 3.14 Concerns raised on anti -dumping practices  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Argentina    
Investigation on parenteral solutions  Mexico  
Armenia   
Investigation by the EAEU on zinc plated or coated flat -rolled steel 
products  Ukraine  
Brazil   
Measures on milk powder products  New Zealand  
Sunset review of measures on heavy plates  Ukraine  
Sunset review of measures on tyres for passenger cars  Ukraine  
China   
Investigation and provisional measure on broiler or chicken products  Brazil  
Preliminary determination on acrylonitrile -butadiene rubber  Japan  
Initiation of Investigation and preliminary determination on stainless 
steel billets,  hot-rolled plates and coils  Japan  
Measures on Acrylonitrile -butadiene rubber  Korea, Republic of  
Canada   
Normal value review on certain liquid dielectric transformers  Korea, Republic of  
Normal value review on certain carbon and alloy steel line pipes  Korea, Republic of  
Measures on OCTG  Turkey  
Colombia   
Measures on cylindrical metal drums  Chile 
Investigation and measures on frozen fries  European Union  
European Union   
Sunset review on seamless steel pipes and tubes  Russian Federation  
Provisional duties on mixtures of urea and ammonium nitrate  Russian Federation  
India   
Sunset review on Soda Ash  Turkey  
Indonesia   
Measures on hot -rolled coil  Kazakhstan  
Israel   
Investigation on low voltage copper cables  Turkey  
Investigation on Portland cement  Turkey  
Mexico   
Sunset review on ferro -silico-manganese  Ukraine  
Peru  
Measures on biodiesel  Argentina  
Investigation on certain steel bars  Brazil  
                                                
45 Questions and responses to the issues raised under the review process in the CoA meetings on 
26-27 November 2018 and 26 -27 February 2019 are available in WTO documents G/AG/W/191, 
18 December  2018, and G/AG/W/196, 12 April 2019.  
46 Minutes WTO documents G/ADP/M/55, 20 December 2018, and G/ADP/M/56 (forthcoming), 
respectively.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 59 - 
 
  Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
United States   
Preliminary determination on large diameter welded pipes  Canada  
Sunset review on stainless steel bar  Japan  
Administrative reviews on OCTG, circular welded non -alloy pipe, heavy -
walled rectangular welded carbon steel pipes and tubes, large diameter 
welded pipe and Corrosion resistant steel  Korea, Republic of  
Measures on circular welded carbon steel pipes and tubes  Thailand  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.83.   Additional issues and concerns were raised at the October 2018 meeting on: (i) the 
non-notification by some Members of their legislative status in the ADP Committee albeit doing so 
in the context of the TPRB forum (raised by United States); (ii) enactment and implementation of 
the amendments to the Basic AD Regulation of the European Union allowing the latter not to apply 
the lesser duty rule in case of price distorti ons for raw materials in the exporting country (raised by  
Russian Federation ); (iii) the United States' application of adverse facts available and the 
determination of particular market situation in investigations (raised by Korea, Republic of; Japan; 
China and Russian Federation); and (vi) the European Union's use of the cost adjustment 
methodology already challenged by certain Members under the DS mechanism (raised by  
Russian  Federation ). 
3.84.   Further concerns raised in the May 2019 ADP Committee meeting refer red to: (i) the 
non-notification of AD legislation by Kenya (raised by United States ); (ii) the United States' particular 
market situation determination in the imposition of anti -dumping measures ( raised by 
Korea,  Republic of and Thailand ); (iii) the United States' application of adverse facts available (raised 
by Korea, Republic of ); (iv) the European Union's amendments to its AD regulation pertaining to the 
non-application of the lesser duty rule and to the application of cost adjustment methodology (raised 
by Russian Federation) ; and (v) Mexico's non -market economy methodologies applied in 
anti-dumping investigations and reviews (raised by  Russian Federation ).  
3.85.   At the meetings of the  Committee on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures47 on 
23 October  2018 and 30 April 2019, concerns were raised on countervailing duty actions as per 
Table 3.15. 
Table 3.15 Concerns raised on countervailing duty actions  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
India  
Increased use of countervailing duties by India  China  
United States  
Imposition of countervailing duties on ripe olives  European Union  
Determinations in various CVD investigations  Turkey  
Investigation on fabricated structural steel  Mexico  
Investigations on Hot -rolled and cold -rolled steel products and large 
diameter welded pipes  Korea,  Republic of  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.86.   At the same meetings concerns were raised on China's alleged subsidy programmes in the 
steel sector (raised by European Union and United States).  
3.87.   Additional concerns were raised on: (i) the elimination of export subsidies by the Members 
that received extensions under Article 27.4 of the SCM Agreement; (ii) the low and declining level 
of compliance with the notification and transparency obligations in the SCM Agreement; (iii) requests 
for information pursuant to Article 25.8 and 25.9 (raised by United States); (iv) subsidies and 
overcapacity (raised by Canada , European Union, Japan, Mexico, and United States); (v) the 
implementation of paragraph 2 of the Ministerial Decision on Fisheries Subsidies (raised by 
                                                
47 Minutes WTO documents G/SCM/M/ 107, 6 February 2019,  and G/SCM/M/ 109 (to be circulated), 
respectively.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Argentina; Australia; Canada; Costa Rica; European Union; Iceland; Japan; Korea, Republic of; 
New Zeala nd; Norway; Chinese Taipei; and United States).  
3.88.   At the meeting of the Trade -Related Investment Measures  (TRIMs) Committee on 
17 October  201848 new or persistent issues were raised, as per Table 3. 16: 
Table 3.16 Concerns raised at the TRIMs Committee  
Measure implemented by  Member(s)  
raising the concern  
Argentina  
Act 27,263 on the development and strengthening of auto -partsa Mexico  
China  
Local content in cybersecurity measures (including provisions on 
insurance system informatization)b United States  
Indonesia  
Requirements for 4G LTE mobile devicesc European Union, Japan, 
United  States  
Provisions in the energy sector (mining, oil and gas )d European Union, Japan, 
United  States  
Industry Law and Trade Lawe European Union, Japan  
Minimum local product requirement for modern retail sectorf European Union, Japan  
Measures relating to investment in the telecommunications sectorg European Union,  Japan  
Requirements for Pharmaceutical Products and Medical Devicesh European Union, United States  
Russian Federation  
Measures implementing the Russian Federation's import substitution 
policyi European Union, United States  
Turkey   
Practices and measures in the pharmaceutical sector  European Union, United States  
a WTO Documents G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/1 , 1 May 2017 ; G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/2 , 22 May 2017; 
G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/3 , 11 October 2017 ; G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/4 , 5 February 2018 ; G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/5 , 
3 May 2018 ; G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/6 , 7 June 2018 ; and G/TRIMS/Q/ARG/7 , 25 September 2018 . 
b WTO document G/TRIMS/Q/CHN/1 , 3 June 2016.  
c WTO documents G/TRIMS/W/148 , 26 March 2015,  and G/TRIMS/W/162 , 27 April 2015.  
d WTO d ocuments G/TRIMS/W/70 , 9 October 2009 ; G/TRIMS/W/74 , 6 August 2010 ; G/TRIMS/W/79 , 
22 December 2010 ; G/TRIMS/W/88 , 22 September 2011 ; G/TRIMS/W/100 , 6 July 2010 ; 
G/TRIMS/W/108 , 20 September 2012 ; G/TRIMS/W/123 , 30 April 2013 ; G/TRIMS/W/128 , 
4 October  2013; G/TRIMS/W/137 , 13 August 2014 ; and G/TRIMS/W/137/Corr.1 , 25 Septembe r 2014.  
e WTO d ocuments G/TRIMS/W/138 , 13 August 2013 ; G/TRIMS/W/140 , 16 September 2014 ; 
G/TRIMS/W/157 , 24 April 2015 ; and G/TRIMS/W/158 , 27 April 2015 . 
f WTO documents G/TRIMS/W/139 , 15 September 2014 ; G/TRIMS/W/141 , 17 September 2014 ; 
G/TRIMS/W/159 , 24 April 2015 ; and G/TRIMS/W/161 , 27 April 2015 . 
g WTO documents G/TRIMS/W/61 , 8 May 2009 ; G/TRIMS/W/63 , 17 September 2009 ; 
G/TRIMS/W/71 , 17 December 2009 ; G/TRIMS/W/75 , 6 August 2010 ; G/TRIMS/W/78 , 
20 September  2010; G/TRIMS/W/80 , 22 December 2010 ; G/TRIMS/W/86 , 22 September 2011 ; 
G/TRIMS/W/96 , 4 May 2012 ; G/TRIMS/W/104 , 5 September 2012 ; G/TRIMS/W/131 , 
14 October  2013; G/TRIMS/W/154 , 13 April 2015 ; G/TRIMS/W/160 , 27 April 2015 ; 
G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/1 , 2 May 2017 ; and G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/2 , 21 September 2018 . 
h WTO document G/TRIMS/Q/IDN/3 , 21 September 2018 . 
i WTO documents G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/4 , 26 May 2016 ; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/5 , 27 September 2016 ; 
G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/6 , 27 April 2017 ; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/7 , 8 November 2017 ; G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/8 , 
24 January 2018 ; and G/TRIMS/Q/RUS/9 , 22 Ma rch 2018 . 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.89.   At the meetings of the Committee on Safeguards49, on 22 October 2018 and 29 April 2019, 
concerns were raised on specific safeguard actions as per Table 3. 17. 
                                                
48 Minutes G/TRIMS/M/45,  8 March 2019 . 
49 WTO d ocuments G/SG/M/5 4, 29 March 2019  and G/SG/M/5 5 (forthcoming) . WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 61 - 
 
  Table 3.17 Concerns raised at the Committee on Safeguards  
Measure Implemented by  Member(s) raising the concern  
Canada   
Investigation on certain steel products  Mexico;  Turkey;  Japan;  
Korea,  Republic of  
Chile   
Investigation on powdered milk and Gouda cheese  United States,  New Zealand  
Egypt   
Investigation on semi -finished products of iron or non -alloy steel and 
steel rebar (bars, rods and coils) for construction purposes  Ukraine,  Pakistan  
Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Russian Federationa  
Investigation on certain flat -rolled steel products  Ukraine; Japan;  Korea, Republic of  
Investigation on welded tubes of stainless steel  Ukraine,  European Union  
European Union   
Investigation on certain steel products  Brazil; Japan; Switzerland; Turkey; 
China; Ukraine; Russian  Federation; 
Korea,  Republic of  
Kingdom of Bahrain; State of Kuwait; Oman; Qatar; Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia; and United Arab Emiratesb  
Investigation on certain flat -rolled steel products  Ukraine; Japan; Korea, Republic of  
India   
Investigation on solar cells  Japan  
Indonesia   
Investigation on ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles  Japan  
Investigation on aluminium foil  Japan;  Korea, Republic of  
Madagascar   
Investigation on pasta  Mauritius,  United States,  Egypt  
Morocco   
Investigation on coated wood board  European Union  
Investigation on cold -rolled sheets and plated or coated sheets  Turkey,  European Union  
Investigation on wire rods and reinforcing bars  Turkey,  Ukraine  
Philippines   
Investigation on float glass  European  Union  
South Africa   
Investigation on threaded fasteners of iron or steel  European Union  
Turkey   
Investigation on iron and steel products  European Union; Korea, Republic of; 
Japan; Brazil; China; Ukraine   
Investigation on wallpaper and similar wallcoverings  European Union; Korea, Republic of  
Investigation on yarn of nylon or other polyamides  European Union; Korea, Republic of  
Ukraine   
Investigation on flexible porous plates, blocks and sheets of 
polyurethane foams  European Union  
United States   
Investigation on crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells  China; Japan; Korea, Republic of; 
Norway  
Investigation on large residential washers  Korea, Republic of  
Measures taken following Section 232 investigations  Turkey,  Japan,  Russian Federation , 
China,  India 
Viet Nam   
Investigation on certain semi -finished and finished products of alloy 
and non -alloy steel  Japan  
a Investigations are initiated at the level of the Eurasian Economic Union.  
b Investigations are initiated at the level of the GCC.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.90.   At the meeting of the Working Party on State Trade Enterprises (STEs) on 19 October 201850, 
trade concerns were raised on: (i) the continued non -notification by the Russian Federation of its 
STEs (raised by United States); and (ii) the non -notification of STEs by the United Arab Emirates 
(raised by United States).  
                                                
50 Minutes G/STR/M/34 , 6 December  2018. WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  3.91.   At the meeting of the Committee on Trade and Environment  (CTE) on 15 May 201951, 
Colombia and Malaysia provided information on the sustainability aspects of palm oil product ion with 
a view to dispel misconceptions that could impact trade and consumption.  
3.92.   At the meeting of the Council for Trade in Services (CTS) held on 7 December 2018, concerns 
were reiterated about cybersecurity measures by China (raised by Japan and United States52) and 
by Viet Nam (raised by Japan and United States).53 As part of its reply, China reiterated its concerns 
about measures by the United States that China alleges may affect other Members ' cybersecurity 
interests.54  
3.93.   The concerns about cybersecurity measures by China were repeated at the meeting of the 
Council held on 21 March 2019 (raised by Japan) .55 As part of its reply, China expressed its concerns 
about the definition of "critical infrastructure" contained in Japan's cybersecur ity legislation.56 The 
concerns about Viet Nam's cybersecurity measures were also reiterated at that meeting ( raised by 
Japan and United States).57  
3.94.   At the meetings of the Committee on Trade and Development  (CTD) on 21  November  2018 
and 5 April 2019, the LDC Group expressed concerns regarding the utilization rate of trade 
preferences by LDCs, and called for technical assistance to allow for a better utilization of these 
preferences.58 At the meetings of the CTD's Dedicated Session on Small Economies on 
1 November  2018 and 29 April 2019 , a trade concern related to the challenges faced by small 
economies in their efforts to reduce trade costs, particularly in the area of trade facilitation , was 
raised .59  
3.95.   The above Section provides evidence of the continued i ncrease of trade concerns raised in 
various WTO bodies between mid -October 2018 and mid -May 2019. Compare d to the previous report 
the number of concer ns raised per meeting has increased in average by almost 30% in the current 
period. Moreover, a large numb er of trade concerns were raised in successive meetings of the same 
Committee/Council and also in more than one WTO body.  The latter provide s further evidence that 
these concerns address persistent problems and involve technically complex and cross -cutting  
issues. It also suggests that WTO Members are increasingly using multiple platforms within the 
WTO committee structure to address various aspects of such concerns. As illustrated in previous 
reports, there is little doubt that the formal meetings of the r elevant WTO bodies are considered 
important platforms for calling attention to specific trade concerns and/or issues. Systemically, this 
is significant because of the increased transparency which it brings, but also because it demonstrates 
that Members are  actively using the WTO committees to engage trading partners on real or potential 
areas of trade friction.  
3.6  Policy Developments in Agriculture  
3.96.   The Committee on Agriculture (CoA) provides a forum for Members to discuss matters related 
to agriculture trade,  and to consult on matters relating to the Members' implementation of 
commitments under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), including rules -based commitments. The 
review work by the CoA is based on notifications Members make on their commitments. There is 
also a provision in Article 18.6 that allows Members to raise any matter relevant to the 
implementation of the commitments under the AoA.  
3.97.   In the framework of the two CoA meetings that took place between mid -October 2018 and 
mid-May 201960, Members posed 20 0 questions on individual notifications and under Article  18.6. 
The majority of questions concerning individual notifications (more than 70%) were directed at 
                                                
51 Minute s WT/CTE/M/67  (forthcoming ). 
52 The United States also circulated a communication under that item, entitled "Measures adopted  and 
under development by China  relating to its Cybersecurity Law  – Questions to China " (WTO document 
S/C/W/37 8, 5 October 2018 ). 
53 WTO document S/C/M/137, 24 January 2019.  
54 WTO document S/C/M/137, 24 January 2019.  
55 WTO d ocument S/C/M/ 138 (forthcoming) . 
56 WTO document S/C/M/138 (forthcoming).  
57 WTO document S/C/M/138 (forthcoming).  
58 Minutes WT/COMTD/M/107 and WT/COMTD/M/108 ( forthcoming ). 
59 Minutes WT/COMTD/SE/M/37 and WT/COMTD/SE/M/38 (forthcoming).  
60 26-27 November 2018 and 26 -27 February 2019 CoA meet ings. WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  domestic support notifications whereas the questions under Article 18.6 were roughly distributed 
among the three pillars of the AoA with a slight prevalence of questions regarding domestic support 
policies.  
3.98.   In total, 10 Members raised 75 questions on 44 implementation -related issues (Article  18.6) 
in the November 2018 and February 2019 CoA meetings. As can be seen in (Chart 3 .18), the average 
number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meeting has been on the rise since 2011 reaching 
an average of more than 40 questions per meeting in 2018. In the first meeting of 2019, Members 
raised a total of  39 questions regarding 31 implementation -related issues. These numbers include 
questions that were repeated from one meeting to the next because responses were not provided 
within the relevant time -frames.  
Chart 3.18 Average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meeting 
(1995 -2019a) 
 
a 2019 data covers up to the first CoA meeting of 2019 (February).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.99.   Out of the 44 implementation -related issues raised in the CoA during the review period, 
24 were discussed for the first time. The remaining issues had been discussed one or more times in 
previous Committee meetings under matters raised under Article 18.6.  
3.100.   More than 45% of the new issues raised related to domestic support policies potentially 
benefiting producers of cotton (i.e. Egypt's pest control subsidy), dairy products (i.e. EU's 
intervention policy, India's dairy loans, New Zealand's support to dairy processing plants , and 
Russian Federation's support  to dairy sector) and palm oil (i.e. Thailand's support to palm oil 
growers). Members also raised questions concerning domestic support policies with a wider scope 
such as China's credit programme, the EU's drought support to farmers, Nigeria's domestic su pport 
programmes and the US 2018 Farm Bill. Around 30% of the issues raised related to measures that 
restricted, or had the potential to restrict, trade of agricultural products, including dairy products 
(i.e. India's whey milk powder duty, Pakistan's impo rt tariffs for dairy products , and Sri Lanka's tax 
on imported milk powder), poultry (i.e. Ghana's poultry imports), alcoholic beverages ( Republic of 
Moldova's environmental charges) and edible oils (i.e. India's import duty protections). One question 
on measures involving more than one specific product was also raised (i.e. EU's modification of its 
agricultural schedule of commitments). One quarter of the questions raised sought clarification on 
051015202530354045
Source:  WTO Secretariat.Chart Agri.X1  Average number of questions raised under Article 18.6 per meetinga
a   2019 data covers up to the first CoA meeting of 2019 (February) .WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  policies that potentially subsidized exports of chocolate (i. e. Switzerland's "Loi Chocolatiere"), wheat 
(i.e. Turkey's flour exports and Turkish grain board), rice (i.e. India's support to rice exporters and 
Japan export subsidies), oilseeds (i.e. India's soymeal export subsidies)  and agricultural products in 
gener al (i.e. US trade promotion payments).  
3.101.   Table 3.18 lists the specific issues relating to implementation commitments that were 
discussed for the first time during the two CoA meetings covered by the Report. The complete list 
of questions and answers can be accessed through the Agriculture Information Manag ement System 
(AG IMS) by using the ID numbers provided in the Table below.61 
Table 3.18 Article 18.6 issues raised for the first time in the November 2018 and 
February 2019 CoA meetings  
Question Summary  Questio n 
raised by  Products  Number of 
questions  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
China's credit programme  United States    1 89 89022  
Egypt's pest control subsidy  Australia  Cotton  1 90 90019  
EU's modification of 
agricultural schedule of 
commitments  Canada, 
New Zealand, 
Thailand    3 89, 
90 90087, 90028, 
90128, 90129, 
89001  
EU's drought support to 
farmers  Ukraine    1 89 89056  
EU's intervention policy  New Zealand  Milk powders  1 90 90026  
Ghana's poultry imports  United States  Poultry  2 89, 90  90041, 89023  
India's dairy loans United States  Dairy, Milk, Milk 
powders, Butter, 
Cheese, Other  1 89 89027  
India's import duty protection  United States  Oils 1 90 90042  
India's soymeal export 
subsidies  United States  Oil seeds, fats 
and oils  1 90 90044  
India's support to rice exports  Japan, Thailand  Rice 1 90 90111, 90130  
India's whey milk powder 
duty United States  Milk powders  1 89 89025  
Japan's export subsidies  United States  Rice 1 89 89028  
Republic of Moldova's 
environmental charges  Ukraine  Alcoholic, other  1 90 90005  
New Zealand's support to 
dairy processing facilities  European Union  Dairy, Milk, Milk 
powders, Butter, 
Cheese, Other  1 90 90006  
Nigeria's domestic support 
programmes  Australia    1 90 90034  
Pakistan's import  tariffs for 
dairy products  European Union  Dairy, Milk, Milk 
powders, Butter, 
Cheese, Other  1 89 89062  
Russian Federation's 
increased support to dairy 
sector  European Union  Dairy, Milk, Milk 
powders, Butter, 
Cheese, Other  1 90 90007  
Sri Lanka's tax on imported 
milk powder  New Zealand  Milk powders  2 89, 90  90068, 89064  
Switzerland's "Loi 
Chocolatiere" and 
implementation of the Nairobi 
Decision on Export 
competition  European Union  Cocoa (other)  1 90 90020  
Thailand's support to palm oil 
growers  European Union  Vegetable oils 
and fats  1 90 90008  
Turkey's flour export and 
Turkish Grain Board  European Union  Wheat  1 90 90009  
US Boston Bounty Bucks 
funds programme   India   1 90 90038  
                                                
61 In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org ), select the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and 
input the ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Question Summary  Questio n 
raised by  Products  Number of 
questions  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
US Farm Bill 2018  Australia, 
European  Union, 
India Dairy, Milk, Milk 
powders, Butter, 
Cheese, Other, 
Sugar, Cane or 
beet sugar, 
Other  3 90 90010, 90071, 
90037  
US trade promotion payments  European  Union    1 90 90013  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.102.   Other measures that were discussed related to follow -up questions on persistent areas of 
concern ( Table 3.19). A number of these issues had been raised in the CoA multiple times. 
Two issues have been raised in 12 CoA meetings (i.e. Canada's new milk ingredient class and its 
wine sale policy) while India's pulse policies have been raised in 7 CoA meetings. The Republic of 
Korea's ric e imports, the Philippine's rice waiver and Pakistan's wheat export subsidies have been 
raised in six  CoA meetings. A number of these questions were co -sponsored by two or three 
WTO Members. Policies from t he European Union, Mongolia, Suriname, Thailand, the United States 
and Zimbabwe were also the subject of repeated concerns under Article 18.6. The complete set of 
questions and answers can be accessed through the AG IMS by using the ID numbers provided in 
the Table below.62 
Table 3.19 Questions previously raised under Article 18.6  
Question 
Summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number of 
questions  Number 
of 
meetings 
the issue 
was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
Canada's New 
Milk Ingredient 
Class Australia, India, 
New Zealand, 
United States  Dairy, Milk, 
Milk powders, 
Butter, 
Cheese, Other  50 12 79, 80, 81, 
82, 83, 84, 
85, 86, 87, 
88, 89, 90  90018, 90120, 90039, 
89020, 89053, 89055, 
88120, 88121, 88065, 
88064, 88061, 87015, 
87063, 87064, 87065, 
87159, 87160, 86002, 
86030, 86033, 85002, 
85003, 85004, 85005, 
85006, 85008, 85011, 
85051, 85052, 85053, 
85054, 85055, 85056, 
84012, 84018, 84020, 
84021, 84022, 84023, 
84025, 84027, 84029, 
84030, 84035, 84111, 
84107, 8403 1, 83054, 
83039, 82012, 82059, 
82013, 82001, 81001, 
81009, 81049, 81054, 
81055, 81056, 80003, 
80005, 80006, 80025, 
79035  
Canada's wine 
sale policy  Australia, 
European  Union, 
New Zealand, 
United States  Alcoholic  23 12 79, 80, 81, 
82, 83, 84, 
85, 86, 87, 
88, 89, 90  90040, 89021, 89054, 
88096, 87016, 87066, 
86034, 85012, 85057, 
84017, 84106, 84033, 
84112, 84105, 83007, 
83041, 83104, 83135, 
82057, 82002, 81003, 
81011, 81024, 81046, 
81047, 81097, 80008, 
80009, 80094, 80095, 
79003  
                                                
62 In the AG IMS ( http://agims .wto.org ), select the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and 
input the ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Question 
Summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number of 
questions  Number 
of 
meetings 
the issue 
was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
India's pulses 
policies  Australia, 
Canada,Russian 
Federation, 
Ukraine, United 
States  Processed 
vegetables  34 7 84, 85, 86, 
87, 88, 89, 
90 90032, 90088, 90029, 
90004, 90043, 89004, 
89007, 89024, 89057, 
88060, 88066, 88092, 
88095, 88109, 87001, 
87017, 87073, 87074, 
87087, 87088, 87 077, 
87070, 87071, 87072, 
87075, 87076, 86061, 
86062, 86063, 86065, 
86039, 86035, 85064, 
84044  
Philippines' rice 
waiver  Australia, 
Thailand, United 
States  Rice 8 6 84, 85, 86, 
87, 88, 89  89063, 88032, 87082, 
86008, 85071, 84057, 
84015, 84079  
Republic of 
Korea's rice 
imports  Australia, 
Thailand, United 
States  Rice 8 6 23, 78, 86, 
87, 88, 89  89029, 89060, 88045, 
87090, 86036, 23006, 
78020, 78024  
Pakistan's wheat 
export subsidies  Australia, 
United States  Wheat  7 6 76, 77, 87, 
88, 89, 90  90045, 89030, 88072, 
87021, 76020, 76028,  
77029  
Pakistan's sugar 
policies  Australia, Brazil, 
Guatemala, 
Russian 
Federation  Sugar, Cane 
or beet sugar, 
Other  7 5 85, 86, 87, 
88, 89  89061, 89091, 88033, 
88124, 88125, 87081, 
86007, 86009, 85069  
India's sugar 
policies  Australia, Brazil, 
European Union, 
Russian 
Federation  Sugar, Cane 
or beet sugar, 
Other  9 4 87, 88, 89, 
90 90033, 89058, 89090, 
88046, 88130, 88129, 
88128, 88127, 88039, 
88042, 88043, 87002, 
87079  
Mongolia's quota 
regime for 
importation  Russian 
Federation  Milk, Cereal  4 4 86, 87, 88, 
90 90027, 88104, 87094, 
86001  
Suriname's 
poultry tariffs  United States  Poultry  4 4 86, 87, 88, 
89 89031, 88074, 87023, 
86049  
US dairy policies  Canada  Dairy, Milk, 
Milk powders, 
Butter, 
Cheese, Other  6 4 85, 86, 87, 
89 89005,  89006, 87105, 
87106, 86084, 85079  
Thailand's sugar 
policies  Australia, 
European Union, 
Brazil  Sugar, Cane 
or beet sugar, 
Other  6 4 76, 77, 89  76001, 76021, 76033, 
77031, 77046  
India's skim milk 
powder export 
subsidies  Australia, 
European Union, 
New Zealand, 
United States  Dairy, Milk, 
Milk powders, 
Butter, 
Cheese, Other  5 3 88, 89, 90  90002, 89026, 88070, 
88037, 88122, 88040  
US Proposed 
domestic support 
measures  Australia, 
Canada, 
European Union, 
India, Japan, 
New Zealand  Swine, Milk, 
Fresh 
vegetables, 
Wheat, Corn, 
Coarse grains  9 3 88, 89, 90  90035, 89047, 89066, 
88030, 88048, 88028, 
88047, 88029, 88098  
Zimbabwe's 
tobacco export 
incentive  United States    3 3 88, 89, 90  90046, 89033, 88076  
US support to the 
cotton sector  Brazil, 
European  Union, 
India  Cotton  3 3 86, 87, 90  90036, 87103, 86069  
EU's CAP reform  New Zealand, 
Australia    2 2 88, 90  90022, 88062  
India's 
Merchandise 
Exports from 
India Scheme 
(MEIS)  Australia, 
New Zealand, 
United States  India's 
Merchandise 
Exports from 
India Scheme 
(MEIS)  3 2 88, 89  89059, 88123, 88038, 
88067  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Question 
Summary  Question 
raised by  Products  Number of 
questions  Number 
of 
meetings 
the issue 
was 
discussed  CoA 
meetings  ID number  
India's proposed 
domestic support 
programmes  European Union    2 2 88, 90  90003, 88041  
Thailand's import 
licensing for 
meat United States  Meat, Bovine, 
Swine, Sheep 
and goat, 
Poultry, 
Horses, Other  2 2 88, 89  89032, 88075  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.103.   Members continue to take steps towards the implementation of the December 2015 Nairobi 
Ministerial Decision on Export Competition. Several Members with scheduled export subsidy 
reduction commitments have taken steps to modify their schedules pursuant to this Decision. To 
date, Australia, Norway, Israel, Switzerland, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, United States and 
South  Africa have certified their revised export subsidy schedules.  
3.104.   In addition to the Committee's annual dedicated discussion on the implementation of the 
Nairobi Ministerial Decision on export competition at its June meetings, Members have the possibility 
to ask questions in connection with this Decision at any CoA meeti ng. During the two meetings 
covered by this Report, five questions were raised regarding policies in the area export credits, 
export credit guarantees or insurance programmes and international food aid ( Table 3.20). The 
complete set of questions and answer s can be accessed through the AG IMS by using the ID numbers 
provided in the Table below.63 
Table 3.20 Questions raised on export competition in the November 2018 and 
February  2019 CoA meetings  
ID number  Question 
raised by  Question 
answered 
by Areas  
90082, 89045  United States  India Export credits, export credit guarantees or 
insurance programmes  
90083  United States  Thailand  Export credits, export credit guarantees or 
insurance programmes  
90084, 89046  United States  Turkey  International food aid  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.105.   The CoA continued its review of the implementation of Members' commitments under the 
Agreement. This review is largely carried out based on the notifications submitted by Members. 
There are 12 distinct notification requirements applicable in the domain of agriculture, covering the 
following areas: market access, domestic support, export subsidies, export prohibitions or 
restrictions and the follow -up to the Marrakesh Net Food -Importing Developing Countries (NFIDC) 
Decision. The applicability of a notificati on requirement to a Member is largely dependent on its 
specific commitments under the AoA. Out of the 12 notification requirements, the following 5 are 
"regular" or "annual" notification requirements: (i) imports under tariff and other quotas (MA:2); 
(ii) special SGs (MA:5); (iii)  domestic support (DS:1); (iv)  export subsidies (ES:1) and (v)  total 
exports (ES:2). Annual notifications are required to be submitted no later than a certain number of 
days following the end of the year in question, in accordance with the deadlines set out in 
WTO document  G/AG/2 , 30 June 1995 .  
3.106.   More than 5,300 questions have been raised in connection with individual notifications under 
the CoA's review process from 1995 -2019 (up to the February 2019 CoA meeting). Throughout the 
                                                
63 In the AG IMS ( http://agims.wto.org ), select the function "Search Q&A Submitted Since 1995 " and 
input the ID number of the question concerned.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  years, most of these questions have focussed  on domestic support notifications (DS:1 and DS:2) 
followed by questions concerning market access, in particular TRQs (MA:1 and MA:2) ( Chart 3.19).  
3.107.   From 15 October 2018 to 15 May 2019, Members submitted 258 noti fications, (including 
addenda and corrigenda). A total of 125 questions were posed concerning individual notifications 
during the CoA meetings that took place during this period. As seen in Chart 3. 20, and in line with 
the historical trend, most of the que stions raised related to domestic support notifications (74%). 
Domestic support notifications from China attracted considerable scrutiny. Eighteen additional 
Members received questions concerning their domestic support notifications. Additionally, 
10 quest ions were raised concerning the lack of notifications from China, Egypt, India, 
Republic  of Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.   
Chart 3.19 Questions raised on individual notifications per section p er year 
(1995 -2019a) 
 
a 2019 data covers up to the first CoA meeting of 2019 (February).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
0255075100125150175200225250275300
Domestic Support Market Access Export restrictions
Export competition NFIDC DecisionChart Agri.X2  Questions raised on individual notifications per section per year, 1995 -2019a
a  2019 data covers up to the first CoA meeting of 2019 (February).
Source:  Wto Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 69 - 
 
  Chart 3.20 Number of questions raised per section , mid-October 2018 -mid-May 2019a 
 
a Questions raised in the CoA meetings in November 2018 and February 2019.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.108.   The participation in the CoA review process, although substantive, is essentially carried out 
by only a few WTO Members. Questions raised in the CoA in connec tion with individual notifications 
have been posed primarily by developed country Members ( Chart 3.21). A total of 12 Members are 
responsible for all the questions raised in the CoA meetings covered by this report.  
Chart 3.21 Number of questions raised per type of Membera 
 
a 2019 data covers up to the first CoA meeting of 2019 (February). The term "mixed" refers to a 
question raised by both developed and developing country Members.  
Source:  WTO S ecretariat.  
3.109.   Article 18.7 of the Agreement on Agriculture establishes that "Any Member may bring to the 
attention of the Committee on Agriculture any measure which it considers ought to have been 
notified by another Member". Additionally, under the CoA agre ed working procedures, 
"Counternotifications under Article 18:7 of the Agreement shall be considered by the Committee at 
Overdue 
notifications
10
Market access
22
Export competition
9
NFIDC
1Article 
18.6
75Individual 
notifications
125 Domestic support
93Chart Agri.X3 Number of questions raised per section, mid -Oct. 2018 -mid-May 2019a
Source:  WTO Secretariat.a   Questions raised in the CoA meetings in November 2018 and February 2019.
050100150200250300350400450
Developed Developing MixedChart Agri.X4  Number of questions raised per type of Membera
a   2019 data covers up to the first CoA meeting of 2019 (February). The term "mixed" refers to a question raised 
by both developed and developing country Members.
Source:   WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  the earliest opportunity". During the review period, three counter notifications were submitted 
pertaining to market price support meas ures undertaken by India regarding cotton (submitted by  
United States),64 sugarcane (submitted by Australia)65, and pulses (submitted by Australia, Canada 
and United States).66 A summary of the discussions that took place in the CoA meetings can be 
found in WTO documents G/AG/R/90 , 19 December 2018 and G/AG/R/91 , 12 April 2019 . 
3.7  General Economic Support  
3.110.   At the December 2018 TPRB meeting, several WTO Members expressed concern about the 
fact that, despite a comprehensive effort, it had again been impossible for t he Secretariat to establish 
a separate annex on general economic support measures. In addition, introducing his Report to the 
TPRB meeting, the Director -General urged the membership to provide the Secretariat with guidance 
as to whether these measures shou ld continue to be covered by the Trade Monitoring Reports.  
3.111.   Since July 2017, the Secretariat has been unable to justify the inclusion of a separate annex 
on general economic support measures in its Trade Monitoring Reports. This was partly a reflection 
of the low participation and response rate of WTO Members to the request for information and partly 
because such an annex would have been biased against those Members that traditionally publish 
detailed information of such measures and programmes. In addition , compounding the scarcity of 
information volunteered by Members, many delegations insisted on excluding general economic 
support measures identified by the Secretariat from public sources and for which verification was 
sought.  
3.112.   Of course, the creation of t he WTO trade monitoring exercise in October 2008 was, to a large 
extent, triggered by the rise of a plethora of general economic support measures in response to the 
global financial crisis, in particular, a number of high -profile economic bail -out packages . The 
November 2016 Trade Monitoring Report provided a brief historical overview of the trends in the 
implementation of these measures as recorded since October 2008. It concluded that, although the 
large economy -wide subsidies and bail -outs of 2009 -10 wer e no longer common, there was no 
evidence that governments had turned their back on subsidization as a policy tool, particularly in 
certain strategic industries or sectors. Moreover, the November  2018 Trade  Monitoring Report, with 
its wider focus on polici es and programmes implemented by Export -Import (EXIM) Banks and Export 
Credit Agencies (ECAs), concluded that governments have become more creative with respect to 
linking the allocation of general economic support and subsidies to specific export objectiv es. It is 
important to emphasize that the trade monitoring exercise does not make any judgement as to the 
WTO compatibility of such measures . Although it is possible that such measures may affect trade 
in some way, it is not always straightforward to concl ude that they restrict or facilitate trade or that 
they distort competition. What has become clear in the context of researching and verifying such 
measures, however, is the different approaches to the transparency surrounding such policies 
applied by coun tries, either domestically or internationally.  
3.113.   In response to the Director -General's request for information for the 
mid-year Trade  Monitoring Report, only 12 WTO Members volunteered information on general 
economic support measures to the Secretariat, a re cord low. High -profile international infrastructure 
programmes which specifically have a trade component were not reported as part of the monitoring 
exercise, and neither were large -scale subsidies to boost the exports of specific economic sectors. 
As a re sult, the Secretariat decided against undertaking another comprehensive verification exercise 
of general economic support and subsidy measures.  
3.114.   Nevertheless, from the limited information received from WTO Members and from the 
research undertaken by the Se cretariat , some conclusions with respect to the use and diversity of 
general economic support measures stand out. Sectors which saw significant disbursements during 
the review period included support to farmers, investment in technology and innovation 
programmes, and investment in energy sectors. Other support measures and aid schemes financed 
transportation, the steel sector, physical infrastructure and aided SMEs. In addition, several 
programmes and policies targeting the promotion of exports, export fina ncing, economic 
diversification and competitiveness improvements by reducing and refunding taxes or introducing 
preferential taxes schemes, were implemented by several WTO Members. Many were multi -year 
                                                
64 WTO document G/AG/W/188, 9 November 2018.  
65 WTO document G/AG/W/189, 16 November 2018.  
66 WTO document G/AG/W/193, 12 February 2019.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  programmes, with financial disbursements staggered ove r the lifetime of the project. Other 
measures were one -off grants or aid schemes. In monetary terms, some programmes envisaged 
disbursements of several billion USD. For example, several recently -announced subsidy programmes 
will provide substantial support  to specific sectors such as agriculture, including for export. The 
implementation of these programmes will take place during the review period covered by the next 
Trade Monitoring Report.  
3.115.   The current review period has confirmed that the strategic applica tion of trade policy 
measures remains an important feature of international trade. Many governments continue to seek 
a strategic edge in international politics through trade policy. In the context of the trade monitoring 
exercise specifically and the multi lateral trading system more generally, the selective transparency 
attributed to these policies and programmes by those who fund them should be of concern.  
3.116.   Discussions at the TPRB in December 2018 reinforced the need for clearer guidance as to 
how the Secr etariat should cover general economic support measures. How to enhance transparency 
in this area would merit the attention of WTO Members.  
3.8  Other Selected Trade Policy Developments  
3.117.   The following Section provides a brief overview of other selected trade policy issues where 
important developments took place during the review period , including follow -up to a number of 
issues which saw outcomes at MC11 in Buenos Aires.  
Trade Facilitation  
3.118.   The TFA -related ratification process continued to make headway.  At the  conclusion of the 
review period, 142 valid acceptance instruments had been presented, corresponding to  86.6%  of 
the membership. Four additional instruments were submitted since mid -October 2018.  
3.119.   With respect to implementation -related notifications mandat ed under the TFA, 16 Members 
presented notifications on category A, 15 on category B and 16 on category C. With these 
notifications, the cumulative total of Members who submitted category A notifications currently 
stands at 115, 78 for category B and 66 for category C.  
3.120.   Members also presented 19 additional notifications concerning transparency obligations set 
out in Section I of the TFA. New input was also presented regarding notifications on Technical 
Assistance and support for Capacity Building (TACB). Du ring the review period, three donor Members 
(Japan, New  Zealand  and Switzerland)  submitted notifications on their technical assistance and 
capacity -building activities under Articles 22.1 and 22.2 of the TFA. The  review  period further saw 
the tabling of se veral Article 22.3 notifications relating to contact points of Members seeking TACB 
support. Eight WTO Members submitted related notifications.  
ITA Expansion  
3.121.   Under the ITA Expansion Agreement, import tariffs on most of the 201 IT products covered 
by the A greement have been progressively reduced since 1 July 2016 and are to  be eliminated after 
three  years, whereas other duties and charges are to be removed upon entry into force. The date of 
1 July 2019 will mark the completion date for the implementation of  the standard staging elimination 
of customs duties on an MFN basis for products covered by the ITA Expansion Agreement. The total 
number of Participants is 26, representing 55 WTO Members. For a limited number of sensitive 
products, tariffs will be phased  out over five  years  or seven for the most exceptional cases.  
Government Procurement  
3.122.   The revised WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) continues to gain 
importance as an instrument for promoting trade and good governance in government procurement 
markets. On 5 May 2019, Australia fully joined to the GPA and added significantly to the government 
procurement market covered by the Agreement. Currently, the Agreement has 20 Parties, 
comprising 48 WTO Members. Another 32 WTO Members/ Observers participate as Observers in the 
Committee on Government Procurement, with Paraguay having been granted Observer status in 
February 2019.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  3.123.   Significant progress was made on several accessions to the Agreement. On 
27 February  2019, the GPA Committee reached a decision on the United Kingdom's GPA 
membership, in its own right, for the post -Brexit period (currently, the United Kingdom participates 
in the GPA as an EU member State). China continued to reaffirm its commitment to join the GPA 
and indicated that it would expedite the accession process by tabling a further revised market access 
offer with significant improvements. Pilot programmes to implement GPA rules in its free trade zones 
are under discussion in the country. The Russian Federation has als o been actively pursuing its 
accession process. The Kyrgyz Republic's and Tajikistan's accessions are considered to be close to 
their final stages, if specific pending issues can be addressed. The Republic of North Macedonia has 
also been making significan t efforts in its accession to the GPA. The accessions of four other 
WTO Members – Albania, Georgia, Jordan and Oman – are pending. Another five have provisions 
regarding accession to the Agreement in their respective Protocols of Accession to the WTO, name ly 
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Seychelles.  
Dispute Settlement  
3.124.   Members' increased focus on trade -related measures has been reflected in the levels of 
dispute settlement activity, including in the number of new complaints b rought before the Dispute 
Settlement Body.  
3.125.   Between mid -October 2018 and mid -May 2019, Members requested consultations in 16  new 
cases. These came in addition to the high number of disputes initiated earlier in 2018. As in previous 
years, the subject matte r of new disputes focussed  on a range of WTO Agreements, including 
provisions of the GATT 1994, the Anti -Dumping Agreement and the Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures. In addition, some complaints related to Members' obligations under the 
AoA and the Safeguards Agreement. As in previous years, both developed and developing country 
WTO Members have been involved in dispute settlement proceedings, as complainants, respondents 
and third parties.  
3.126.   This high level of initiation of new disputes res ulted in the establishment of more dispute 
settlement panels than in similar  periods in recent years. During the review period, the Dispute 
Settlement Body established 23 new panels , and 1 panel to assess compliance with earlier rulings 
and recommendations  (Table 3 .21). This compares to six panels established in the period between 
mid-May and mid -October 2018.  
Table 3.21 Dispute settlement panels established (mid -October 2018 -mid-May 2019)  
Dispute No.  Short title Panel establishment date  
DS538  Pakistan  – BOPP Film (UAE)  29 October 2018  
DS553  Korea  – Stainless Steel Bars  29 October 2018  
DS475  Russia  – Pigs (EU) (Article 21.5)  21 November 2018  
DS542  China  – Intellectual Property Rights II  21 November 2018  
DS544  US – Steel and Aluminium Products (China)  21 November 2018  
DS548  US – Steel and Aluminium (EU)  21 November 2018  
DS550  US – Steel and Aluminium Products (Canada)  21 November 2018  
DS551  US – Steel and Aluminium Products (Mexico)  21 November 2018  
DS552  US – Steel and Aluminium Products (Norway)  21 November 2018  
DS554  US – Steel and Aluminium Products (Russia)  21 November 2018  
DS557  Canada  – Additional Duties (US)  21 November 2018  
DS558  China  – Additional Duties (US)  21 November 2018  
DS559  EU – Additional Duties (US)  21 November 2018  
DS560  Mexico  – Additional Duties (US)  21 November 2018  
DS564  US – Steel and Aluminium Products (Turkey)  21 November 2 018 
DS524  Costa Rica  – Avocados (Mexico)  18 December 2018  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Dispute No.  Short title Panel establishment date  
DS566  Russia  – Additional Duties (US)  18 December 2018  
DS567  Saudi Arabia  – Protection of IPR  18 December 2018  
DS556  US – Steel and Aluminium Products 
(Switzerland)  4 December 2018  
DS547  United States  – Steel and Aluminium (India)  4 December 2018  
DS561  Turkey  – Additional Duties (US) 28 January 2019  
DS543  US – Tariff Measures on Certain Goods (China)  28 January 2019  
DS573  Turkey – Air Conditioning Machines  11 April 2019  
DS521  EU – Cold-Rolled Steel (Russia)  26 April 2019  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.127.   Over the review period, the number of ongoing appeal proceedings also increased, compared 
to the previous period. The Appellate Body circulated six Appellate Body reports concerning 
four matters , and five new appeals were filed. A total of 12 appeals were pending before the 
Appellate Body as of mid -May 2019.   
3.128.   Overall, as of early May 2019, a total of 57 panel, arbitration and appellate proceedings were 
ongoing. On average, 56 panel, arbitration and appellate proceedings were ongoing each month 
during the review period. This is the highest ever number of ongoing proceedings since the WTO 
was founded in  1995 (Chart  3.22).  
Chart 3.22 Average number of ongoing proceedings per month , 1995 -2019  
 
Note:  2019 data are based on the average of the number of active disputes from January to April.  Several 
disputes are counted as one if they deal with the same subject matter. Ann ual averages are calculated 
on the basis of the number of ongoing proceedings per month (January to December) over the yearly 
period concerned (e.g. in 2017, 39 proceedings were ongoing per month, on average).  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
3.129.   In addition, several panels completed their work during the review period. Between 
mid-October 2018 and mid -May 2019, eight panels circulated reports to Members, including one 
report in compliance proceedings. T hree out of the six Appellate Body reports circulated during the 
review period, concerned original disputes ; the other t hree related to compliance proceedings. In 
addition, one arbitral decision on the permissible level of suspension of obligations under Article  22.6 
of the Dispute Settlement Understanding was circulated.  
0102030405060
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019Chart DS.1  Average number of ongoing disputes per month, 1995 -2018
Note: 2019 data are based on the average of the number of active disputes from January to April. Several disputes 
are counted as one if they deal with the same subject matter. Annual averages are calculated on the basis of the 
number of ongoing proceedings per month (January to December) over the yearly period concerned (e.g. in 2017, 
39 proceedings were ongoing per month, on average).
Source: WTO Secretariat.WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Trade Finance  
3.130.   Over the past year, the Director -General, WTO Members and heads of partner institutions 
have been reflecting on the progress made since the launch of the Trade Finance and SME's initiative 
in 2016, as well as discussing next steps . The proposals made by the Director -General in 2016 were 
fourfold: support multilateral development banks' trade finance facilitation programmes by way of 
advocacy, help increase capacity -building support, maintaining an open dialogue with trade finance 
regulators, and continuing to track trade finance gaps. As a result of the mobilization of all 
development institutions, the amount of trade supported annually since the beginning of the 
initiative in 2016 has increased by about 50%, to around USD 30 billio n in 2018. The objective of 
trade finance programmes of multilateral development banks (MDBs) was not to fill the entire gap, 
but rather to support trade in challenging markets and to facilitate learning -by-doing by the local 
financial institutions involve d. In this respect, the impact of multilateral institutions has increased 
significantly in recent years, thanks to the cumulated and sometimes combined efforts of the 
International Financial Corporation, the African Development Bank, the African Export -Import Bank 
(Afreximbank), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Islamic Trade 
Finance Corporation.  
3.131.   Box 3. 6, on the link between improved access to finance and the ability of firms to export , 
was contributed  by the ITC.  
Box 3.6 Improving access to finance to access global markets  
Finance is the fuel that drives the creation and growth of firms. Firms consider access to finance a key bottleneck 
to their operationsa, and arguably it would also hold them back when they turn to international markets. This is 
confirmed by a recent piece of economic literature that provides empirical evidence for the link between improved 
access to finance and the ability of firms to export .b Firm-level evidence fro m the ITC SME Competitiveness Survey 
confirms this relationship and shows how it differs across types of firms.  
Analysis of data from 1,306 firms in several developing countries suggests that, when accessing finance is less of 
an obstacle, businesses tend  to export more (see figure below). This effect can partly be attributed to the role 
trade finance plays in defraying the high up -front costs (i.e. to create distributor networks) and high variable 
costs (related to shipping, logistics, and trade complianc e) associated with exporting.  
Figure 1 Businesses that export more face fewer financial obstacles  
 
Note:  The survey question asked was: "To what degree is access to financial institutions an obstacle to current 
operations?" . Answer options ranged from no obstacle (0) to very severe obstacle (5).  
Source:      A total of 1,306  firms interviewed in ITC SME Competitiveness Surveys in Argentina, Hungary, Kenya, Morocco 
and The Gambia in 2017 and 2018. Each of the 16 dots represent s a group of firms with a similar degree of 
reported financial obstacles. For example, each of the blue dots represents 163  firms that experience a similar 
degree of financial obstacles. The bins are calculated in stata as binned scatterplots through a non -parametric 
method of plotting the conditional expectation function (which describes the average y -value for each x -value). 
To generate a binned scatterplot, binscatter groups each observation of the x -axis variable into 18 equal -sized 
bins, computes the m ean of the x -axis and y -axis variables within each bin, and then creates a scatterplot of 
these data points. By default, binscatter also plots a linear fit line using Ordinary Least Squares, which 
represents the best linear approximation of the conditional  expectation function.  
0 1 2 3 4Degree of financial obstacle
0 20 40 60 80 100
Percentage of exports in firm sales
All businesses Youth-led businessesWT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Financial obstacles are a bigger barrier to internationalization for youth -led companies  
The connection between financial obstacles and exports is even stronger for firms led by entrepreneurs under 
35 years of age .c ITC survey findings show that youth -led firms whose operations were severely obstructed by 
poor access to financial institutions were much less likely to export the majority of their output than firms led by 
older individuals. This may suggest that financ e has a particularly important catalytic effect on growth and trade 
for companies led by young people.  
This is consistent with the finding that 76% of youth -led firms report access to finance to be an obstacle to current 
operations, compared to just 59% o f firms led by their older counterparts .d Taken together, the data suggest that 
since firms led by young people struggle to access finance, that this holds back their ability to operate and trade. 
Improving their access to finance would enable them to grow , export and prosper. This could in turn contribute 
to Sustainable Development Goal 8 by reducing the proportion of young people who are not in employment, 
education or training.  
The mobilization of investment into small firms in developing countries can t rigger positive feedback among 
financing, trade and sustainable development .e Policy has an important role to play in facilitating this process, 
and in helping to address financial constraints to exports by SMEs more generally .f The WTO has moved in this 
direction by bringing together multilateral organizations involved in trade financing under the Trade Finance and 
SMEs initiative, launched in 2016. The amount of trade supported annually since the beginning of the initiative in 
2016 has increased by about 50%, to some USD  30 billion in 2018 .g 
Despite this progress, and the above evidence that finance is a key bottleneck to SME exports, the 
Asian  Development Bank suggests that, globally, there is USD 1.5 trillion annually in unmet demand for trade 
finance .h Aid for Trade may be able to help. When surveyed about their Aid -for-Trade priorities, four out of five 
developing country governments said that providing access to finance was a priority contribution that Aid for 
Trade could make to the economic empowerme nt of SMEs in their countries .i 
a ITC SME Competitiveness Surveys; World Bank Enterprise Surveys . 
b Bellone et al., "Financial Constraints and Firm Export Behavior"; Berman and Héricourt, "Financial Factors and the 
Margins of Trade"; Manole and Spatareanu, "Exporting, Capital Investment and Financial  Constraints"; Li  and Yu, 
"Exports, Productivity, and Credit Constraints."  
c This Box follows the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor and the literature in defining youth entrepreneurs as those 
below 35 years of age.  
d ITC, "Empowering Youth for Sustainable Trade."  
e ITC, "SME Competitiveness Outlook 2019: Big Mo ney for Small Business."  
f Financial Inclusion Experts Group, "Scaling -Up SME Access to Financial Services in the Developing World"; OECD, 
"Fostering Markets for SME Finance."  
g Wolff, "More Institutional Cooperation Is Needed to Address Shortages of Trade  Finance."  
h ADB, "2015 Trade Finance Gaps, Growth, and Jobs Survey."  
i OECD -WTO, OECD -WTO Aid -for-Trade (AfT) Monitoring Exercise.  
Source:  ITC. 
Fisher ies Subsidies  
3.132.   In the negotiations on fisheries subsidies in the Rules Negotiating Group, Members remain 
committed to the mandate as set out in Sustainable Development Goa l 14.6 and the Ministerial 
Decision on Fisheries Subsidies of the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference to reach, by the end of 2019, 
an agreement on disciplines that prohibit certain forms of fis heries subsidies that contribute to 
overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to Illegal, Unregulated and 
Unreported ( IUU) fishing , with appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for 
developing country Members  and LDC Members being an integral part of these negotiations. 
Intensive work is currently underway in the WTO to translate the mandate into legal rules which will 
add a critical element to the existing framework of international law on, and related to, fi shing. While 
the work is technically difficult from a socio -economic, scientific, and legal perspective , 
WTO Members are committed to meeting the deadline of the end of the year for an agreement.  
3.133.   Box 3.7 on fisheries subsidies was contributed by the OECD.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Box 3.7 Reforming subsidies could add USD 2 billion to fishers' income  
New research by the OECD compares the relative effects of six common forms of fisheries support. The results 
of the model -based analysis show that all six fisheries support policies investigated have the potential to 
increase fleet capacity, provoke overfishing, and encourage IUU fishing. However, their effects vary 
significantly in scale, and they can affect different fishers in different ways.  
Support that is based on the costs of fishing, such as to help purchase fuel, gear or bait, can increase fishing 
effort more than other policy options. These types of support are the most likely to increase IUU fishing effort 
and to lead to stock dep letion. They also tend to favour larger fishers . 
Depending on the management context, many such fisheries support policies also do little to improve fishers' 
livelihoods. In particular, as little as 10% of government expenditures to reduce the cost of fuel  for fishers 
may translate into real income gains. The potential benefits of such transfers are lost to increased effort and 
lower fish stocks, or are captured by those selling the subsidized inputs.  
By contrast, payments that are designed to help the prof itability of fishing operations bring significant benefits 
to fishers while also having relatively benign effects on effort and capacity. These include, for example, 
programmes that ensure that capital markets function to provide working capital for operat ions, or 
programmes to increase the business or operational skills of fishers. Payments that directly target fishers' 
incomes, such as disaster payments or employment insurance, also do a good job of delivering benefits 
equitably to all participants in the  fishing sector.  
The results overall show that it is possible to support the fishing sector and deliver benefits to fishers without 
unduly provoking overfishing or overcapacity. For example, moving existing support away from gear, fuel, 
vessels, or other i nputs towards helping fishers to better operate their business could improve fishers' income 
by as much as USD 2 billion per year, reduce pressure on stocks and increase harvest by almost 0.5  tonnes 
per year.  
Figure 1  Percent change in fish stock following  an increase of USD 5 billion, by support type  
 
Note:  Fishers in open access can increase effort as much as they wish; higher effort reduces stock size in the long  
run. Under a Total Allowable Catch (TAC), effort is controlled to some extent, though IUU  fishing can still put 
pressure on fish stocks (depending on the fine they face for doing so). The  points show the mean results from 
the model after 1,000 random draws of possible parameters. The high -low bars for each point show the 
variability of the resul ts when parameters are changed, reflecting two standard deviations or 95% of the 
probability distribution of the impact of each policy.  
Source:  OECD , Martini, R.  and Innes , J. (2018), "Relative Effects of Fisheries Support Policies", OECD Food, 
Agriculture and Fisheries Papers, No. 115, OECD Publishing, Paris . 
Viewed at: https://doi.org/10.1787/bd9b0dc3 -en. 
-6-5-4-3-2-10
Fi s h e rs'  
i n c o meB u s i ness  &  
h u m a n c a pitalV e s sel s U s e  o f  
v a r i able 
i n p u tsU s e  o f  f u el O u tp u t%
TAC Open AccessWT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Electronic Commerce  
3.134.   Discussions on electronic commerce in the WTO are continuing under two parallel tracks – 
multilaterally under the General Council and its relevant subsidiary bodies, as well as under the Joint 
Statement on Electronic Commerce initiative. At the multilater al level, efforts are ongoing to 
reinvigorate the 1998 Work Programme on Electronic Commerce as agreed by Ministers at the 
11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires. Members are also discussing the impact and scope 
of the decision not to impose custo ms duties on electronic transmissions. At its session in 
December  2018, the General Council reviewed progress in the Work Programme based on reports 
submitted by the Chairs of the Goods, Services and TRIPS Councils and the Committee on Trade 
and Developmen t. In addition, the Chair reported on the Informal Open -ended meeting on the 
moratorium which was held in late November 2018.  
3.135.   Under the Joint Statement on Electronic Commerce initiative, exploratory discussions among 
a group of Members towards future negotiations on trade -related aspects of e -commerce continued 
until December 2018. Building on the exploratory work carried out in 2018, in January 2019, 
76 WTO Members issued a Joint Statement confirming their intention to commence 
WTO negotiations on tra de-related aspects of electronic commerce. The now 77 Members will seek 
to achieve a n outcome that builds on existing WTO Agreements and frameworks , with the 
participation of as many WTO Members as possible.  The first substantive meeting was held on 
13-15 May 2019. All WTO Members are encouraged to participate , in order to further enhance the 
benefits of e -commerce for businesses, consumers and the global economy. Other Members have 
expressed opposition to these negotiations on the grounds that  they are not part of the current 
negotiating mandate.  
Investment Facilitation  
3.136.   The Joint Ministerial Statement on Investment Facilitation for Development67, co-sponsored 
by 70  Members at MC11 , calls for the start of "structured discussions with the aim of d eveloping a 
multilateral framework on investment facilitation". According to the proponents, investment 
facilitation is about creating a more efficient, predictable and "investment -friendly" business climate 
– by making it easier for investors to establish  operations and conduct their day -to-day business – 
and such an agreement could facilitate global investment in the same way that the WTO was helping 
to facilitate global trade with its Trade Facilitation Agreement. However, other Members oppose 
discussion s on investment facilitation in the WTO, mostly on the grounds that they are  not part of 
the current negotiating mandate.  
3.137.   Between mid -October  2018 and mid -May 2019, the Structured Discussions held 
seven  meetings, including a "stock -take and next steps" mee ting in December  2018 and an 
organizational meeting in January  2019.68 At the  former , the participating Members agreed that, in 
2018, the Structured Discussions had been successful in identifying possible elements of a 
multilateral framework on investment f acilitation for development. These identified possible 
elements have been reflected and organized in a "Checklist of Issues raised by Members".69 At the 
organizational meeting in January  2019, participating Members re -iterated their full support for the 
next phase of the initiative to move towards the development of the possible elements of the 
multilateral framework – in line with the objective established in the Joint Ministerial Statement.  The 
discussions in the first half of 2019 have been based on concr ete examples submitted by Members 
on a "no prejudice " basis, which have been compiled in a "Compendium of text -based examples" 
aimed at facilitating comparison among examples.70 The meetings were organized thematically, as 
per the schedule of meetings for t he period January -July endorsed by participating Members.71 
Micro, Small and Medium -sized  Enterprises (MSMEs)  
3.138.   During the reporting period, the Informal Working Group on MSMEs held three open -ended 
meetings, including a thematic session on the Internet as a tool to help MSMEs access global 
                                                
67 WTO document WT/MIN(17)/59, 13 December 2017 . 
68 The meetings were held on 26  October, 16  November, and 6  December  2018, and 30  January, 
4 March, 11  April and 16  May 2019.  
69 The latest version of the checklist was circulated on 9  November  2018.  
70 WTO document INF/IFD/RD/5/Rev.1, 13 May 2019.  
71 WTO docum ent INF/IFD/W/3/Rev.1, 22 May 2019.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  markets, as well as a workshop on MSMEs' cyber -readiness. An annual report , detailing the activities 
of the Group in 2018 , was adopted at the end -of-the-year wrap -up session in November  2018.72 
Armenia joined the Group in No vember 2018, bringing the number of Members participating in the 
initiative to 89. Some Members oppose , or do not support , discussions on this issue , noting that it 
is not part of the original Doha Round discussions and that focu ssing on DDA issues should be the 
priority. The Group is working to identify a set of concrete, horizontal and non -discriminatory actions 
that Members could take to strengthen MSME participation in global trade , and that could form the 
basis of a future work programme for consideration by Members at the next WTO Ministerial 
Conference (MC12), in June 2020.  
3.139.   So far in 2019, discussions have focussed  on how to improve access to information and 
support the developmen t of the ITC -UNCTAD -WTO Global Trade Helpdesk, an online portal to 
existing trade -related information and intelligence, as well as how to enhance MSMEs' access to 
trade finance, data collection and coverage of MSME -related information in WTO Trade Policy 
Reviews. The Group has also been exploring principles to promote MSME participation in the drafting 
of new rules and assess the impact of new regulation s on MSMEs. Three other open -ended sessions 
are planned in 2019, as well as various workshops and other a ctivities.  
 
 
                                                
72 WTO document INF/MSME/R/7,  25 March 2019.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  4  POLICY DEVELOPMENT I N TRADE IN SERVICES  
4.1.  Over the period covered by this Report, many new measures affecting trade in services were 
introduced by WTO Members and Observers. The majority of these are horizontal in nature, affec ting 
different modes of supply across various sectors. Most of the se are trade -facilitating, including those 
cross-sectoral measures affecting service supply through commercial presence and the movement 
of natural persons. Nevertheless, a number of the new  policies appear to be trade -restrictive, 
including measures affecting communication and network -enabled services and policies pertaining 
to the review of foreign investment in certain areas considered strategic. Annex  4 provides additional 
information on 77 entries for new measures, which concern 45 WTO  Members and one Observer.1 
Measures affecting supply through commercial presence  
4.2.  Various governments introduced changes to their investment polic ies that affect the supply 
through commercial presence (mode 3) across various sectors. On 15  March  2019, China  adopted 
its new Foreign Investment Law, which provides for non -discrimination (pre - and 
post-establishment) between foreign -invested and domestic enterprises, and between foreign and 
domestic investors, ex cept in sectors set out in a "negative list ". Foreign investors no longer require 
prior approval from the Ministry of Commerce, but must register their investments with the relevant 
agencies. The new Law also prohibits forced technology transfers, as it st ipulates that technology 
cooperation between foreign and Chinese businesses shall be undertaken voluntarily, based on 
commercial considerations. The Law provides that China may retaliate against countries that 
discriminate against Chinese investments abroa d. 
4.3.  In the  Philippines , the government relaxed limitations on foreign investment in selected 
sectors, for example by permitting 100% foreign ownership of Internet businesses and of specified 
higher education services, and by increasing from 20% to 40% the foreign ownership limit in private 
radio communications networks. Qatar  adopted a new law allowing wholly -owned foreign 
investments in most economic sectors, thereby abolishing the previous requirement to have a local 
partner holding at least 51% of the shares in any limited liab ility company or acting as sponsor. 
India allowed foreign companies in the defence, telecom, information and broadcasting, and private 
security sectors to open branch offices, subject to approval from the regulator and the ministry 
concerned. Approval of t he Reserve Bank of India is no longer required.  
4.4.  In the United Arab Emirates , a new FDI Law, effective since 30  October  2018, allows up to 
100% foreign ownership in certain sectors. Under the previous law, foreign ownership in 'onshore' 
UAE companies was  limited to 49%, unless decided otherwise by Cabinet. The new law establishes 
a negative list setting out the sectors where foreign investment is not allowed, and a positive list of 
sectors where it is allowed. The FDI Law does not yet detail the sectors i n the positive list. Sectors 
to be listed will indicate the percentage of foreign ownership allowed (between 49% and 100%) and 
whether restrictions on the type of legal entity, minimum capital requirements, or requirements of 
the employment of nationals ar e imposed. In the Kingdom of S audi Arabia , the Council of Ministers 
decided to allow foreign investment in four sectors where it was previously prohibited: road 
transport , real estate brokerage , audiovisual services , and recruitment and related services.  
4.5.  In Egypt , a new measure requires non -resident companies with a representative office in Egypt 
to decide, three years from the date the office was registered, to establish either a company or a 
branch. The new requirement does not apply to representative off ices of banks. In December  2018, 
the government of Côte d'Ivoire  adopted a new Investment Code, which provides various fiscal 
incentives to foreign investors, including in relation to the use of local content. Certain benefits are 
only available to compani es that open at least 15% of their capital to nationals. The new measure 
also provides for the creation of a specific agency to promote investment and act as principal link 
between investors and the government.  
4.6.  A number of Members adopted new measures in r elation to investment review procedures, 
including for national security purposes. In France , the government amended its foreign investment 
regime by extending the prior authorization requirement to investments in new strategic sectors, 
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in the Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, not hing in the Annex implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  including data stor age in connection with public security.  Germany  amended the foreign investment 
regime. It lowered, from 25% to 10% of voting rights, the threshold for screening acquisitions by 
non-EU/EFTA investors in certain sectors, including operators of critical infrastructure in specific 
sectors, companies monitoring telecommunications, and providers of cloud computing services. 
Hungary  adopted a new law providing for the national security revi ew of foreign investment by 
non-EU/EFTA investors in sensitive activities, while in Belgium  a new measure gives the government 
of Flanders a right of veto in relation to certain foreign acquisitions that threaten strategic interests.  
4.7.  The European Union  adopted a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments  (FDI) . 
The new regulation does not require EU member States to implement an FDI screening mechanism. 
However, existing or future mechanisms at the member State level are required to meet cert ain 
basic requirements, such as judicial review of decisions, non -discrimination between third countries, 
and transparency. The regulation sets out a non -exhaustive list of factors that may be taken into 
account to determine whether foreign investments pos e a risk to security or public order, including 
the impact on critical infrastructure, critical technologies, the supply of critical inputs, access to, and 
ability to control, sensitive information, and freedom and pluralism of the media.  
Communication Services  and E -Commerce  
4.8.  Several Members adopted new measures in relation to the communications sector or to 
Internet and other network enabled services. In the United States  an Executive Order signed on 15 
May 2019 declares a national emergency with respect t o threats against information and 
communications technology and services in the United States, and prohibits the purchase or use of 
information and communication technologies or services that pose a national security risk.   
4.9.  In the  Russian Federation , a new  law on the operation of the Internet, signed on 1  May 2019, 
establishes rules for routing telecommunication messages and  provides for  the monitoring 
of compliance with them. Telecommunication operators, trans -border telecommunication 
line-owners and Inter net exchange point owners will have to provide for centrali zed traffic 
management in case of emerging threats to the operation of the Internet in the Russian Federation. 
The law foresees the installation by operators of equipment provided by the regulator to counteract 
threats.  
4.10.   In Kenya , the government introduced an excise duty tax of 15% on voice, SMS and Internet 
data services. Previously, a 10% tax on telephone services was imposed. The new measure also 
introduced a 20% excise duty rate on money transfer  services by banks and other fees charged by 
financial institutions. In Turkey , the government introduced a new tax on online advertising services. 
A 15% tax is applied to payments made to providers of online advertising services or intermediaries.  
4.11.   In Japan, the Diet approved a new measure to facilitate  fair competition in mobile telephony 
by prohibiting mobile operators from offering discount for retail communication charges when selling 
mobile handsets. The measure also prohibits conditions that unduly constrain subscribers from 
cancelling contracts. In Korea, R epublic of , the government amended the telecommunications law 
to, among other things, move from a licensing regime to a registration system.  
4.12.   In the European Union , the European Parliament and the Council of Europe adopted a 
Directive establishing the European Electronic Communications Code, which establishes common 
rules and objectives within the E uropean Union on regulating the telecom industry , and defines how 
providers of networks and/or service s can be regulated by national authorities. In Indonesia , the 
Government revoked a regulation on e -commerce taxes that was intended to be enforced from 
1 April 2019, and which would have required online marketplace operators to report details of each 
seller's turnover, mandated online sellers to register for a tax payer number, and set out taxes to 
be paid by online sellers.  
4.13.   India announced new conditions in relation to its FDI policy on e -commerce. The new measure 
provides that e -commerce marketplaces cannot sell on their platform products of companies in which 
they have equity interests or in which they control the inventory. E -commerce marketplaces are 
information technology platforms that connect buyers and sellers. In addition, e -commerce 
marketplac e entities cannot mandate any seller to sell any product exclusively on its platform.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  4.14.   Various Members adopted new measures in relation to data or cybersecurity. Brazil  adopted 
a new law to protect personal data, whether obtained by electronic or physical m eans, by the public 
or private sector. Data transfers are allowed under a number of circumstances, including when 
transfers are made to countries offering adequate protection, when the regulator specifically 
approves the transfer, or after the data subject  has consented. In Nigeria , a new Data Protection 
Regulation applies to all organi zations processing the personal data of natural persons in Nigeria and 
natural persons of Nigerian descent residing in foreign countries. The regulation foresees the transfer  
of data abroad, but gives the Attorney General the power to determine which third countries provide 
adequate data protection laws. If the Attorney General has not issued decisions on adequacy, data 
may only be transferred to another country under certain conditions, including if the data subject 
consents. In Panama , a new law provides that the prior, informed, and unequivocal consent of the 
data subject must be obtained for the processing of personal data. In Korea, Republic of , the 
Government now requires  certain offshore IT providers to designate a local representative to comply 
with personal data protection rules.  
4.15.   In Thailand , the National Legislative Assembly approved in February the Personal Data 
Protection Act and the Cybersecurity Act. The new data p rotection law establishes requirements for 
both data controllers and processors that collect, use, or disclose personal data of individuals in 
Thailand. T he Act allows cross -border data transfers to countries that provide sufficient personal 
data protectio n in compliance with guidelines of the Personal Data Protection Committee, as well as 
in certain other specified circumstances. In Uganda , the new Data Protection and Privacy Act aims 
to protect individual privacy and personal data by regulating the collec tion and processing of personal 
data, as well as imposing obligations on data controllers and processors. In Australia , a new law sets 
out a framework for law enforcement and national security agencies to work with the 
communications industry with respect to the use of data in the investigation of serious crime s, 
including powers to request or compel assistance from designated communications providers. 
Finally, at the bilateral level, Japan  and the European Union  recognized each other's personal data 
protec tion systems as 'essentially equivalent'. This allows personal data to flow without restrictions 
between the two  jurisdictions.  
Financial services  
4.16.   A few policy changes took place during the review period in the financial services sector, 
generally towards greater openness. For example, in the Kingdom of S audi Arabia , the Monetary 
Authority  issued new rules a llowing foreign insurance and reinsurance companies to establish as 
branches. In Chinese  Taipei , foreign Futures Commission Merchants (FCM)  may now directly supply 
trade, clearing and settlement services of futures to domestic FCMs, and are no longer required to 
establish a branch or subsidiary in Chinese Taipei.  
4.17.   In Myanmar , the Central Bank confirmed that foreign banks and foreign financial instituti ons 
can now hold up to 35% of equity investment in local private banks. Also, the government allowed 
branches of foreign banks to provide commercial services, such as financing and other banking 
services, to local businesses. Previously, foreign banks were  limited to lending only to foreign entities 
in foreign currencies. As regards insurance, the government allowed foreign companies to establish 
in the country, removing restrictions that essentially limited operations of foreign insurers to 
representative offices. With the new measure, up to three licences will be granted to foreign life 
insurers as 100% wholly -owned subsidiaries. In addition, foreign life and non -life insurers that had 
a representative office as of end -2018 are allowed to form a joint vent ure with a local insurer, with 
maximum foreign equity of 35%.  
4.18.   In Hong Kong , China , the Monetary Authority decided to start issuing virtual banking licences 
for companies that offer retail banking services through the Internet or other electronic channels 
instead of physical branches. By early May  2019, eight licences for virtual banks had been granted 
and the new licensed services would be launched within six to nine months. In Kuwait , the 
government issued a decree allowing foreign investors to own up to 5% of a Kuwaiti bank's capital. 
The China  Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) published a new measure aiming to encourage 
established foreign financial institutions to invest in d omestic futures companies. Eligible foreign 
investors may submit applications to the CSRC to hold up to 51% equity of domestic futures 
companies. The equity cap is to be entirely removed in three years.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Other Services Sectors  
4.19.   A number of Members adopted ne w policies in relation to transport services. Argentina  
simplified the regime for obtaining coastal traffic waivers that allow foreign vessels to carry out 
commercial activities in the Argentin ian sea in the event that no Argentin ian vessels are available to 
perform such activities. In China , foreign investors can now invest in and operate international 
shipping transportation, international shipping agenc ies, international shipping management, 
international shipping cargo handling, international shipping c argo warehousing, and international 
shipping container station and yard business in accordance with relevant laws, administrative 
regulations and other relevant regulations. In Brazil , the 20% limit on foreign investment in national 
airlines has been lifte d and full foreign capital participation is allowed. In Ethiopia , an Observer 
government, the Investment Board decided to permit foreign investment in the logistics industry 
through joint ventures, with up to 49% in foreign capital. Prior to the decision, the sector was 
exclusively reserved to nationals.  
4.20.   Various new measures relating to health and medical services were also adopted. In China , a 
new Circular from the National Health Commission requires Big Data in the health care industry to 
be stored in the  country. Where such data must be transferred abroad for business reasons, a 
security assessment must be carried out in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations. In 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , the Government allowed 100% foreign ownership, operat ion and 
management of Private Healthcare Institutions (PHI), with the exception of clinics. PHIs cover 
general and specialised health centres, radiology, medical laboratories, outpatient surgical facilities 
and supporting medi cal services facilities. A new law in the United Arab Emirates  prohibits the 
storage of health data outside of the UAE, as well as the creation of health data outside of the UAE 
which relates to health services provided inside the UAE. The Law foresees cert ain exceptions to 
data localization requirements, to be set out in subsequent measures.  
4.21.   As regards gambling services, Myanmar  adopted a new law allowing casinos to operate for 
foreigners in selected hotels. Previously, casinos were not permitted under Myan mar law. Nationals 
will not be able to gamble under the new rules. In Switzerland , a new measure permits licensed 
casinos established in the country to offer online gaming services. Unlicensed operators, including 
foreign -based suppliers, will be blocked b y Internet access providers. The Act also establishes 
licensing requirements, including that owners have 'good reputation' and have not actively targeted 
the Swiss market from abroad in the five previous years. Unlicensed sites will be blocked as of 
1 July 2019. Australia  agreed to a National Consumer Protection Framework for online wagering.  
Services Supplied through the Movement of Natural Persons  
4.22.   Various Members adopted measures affecting the supply of services through the movement 
of natural persons, mo st of which are trade -facilitating. For example,  in India, the Government 
increased the permitted duration of stay under the electronic Business Visa to 180 days, up from 
60 days. Multiple visits are now  allowed in a calendar year, and foreign nationals ho lding an 
employment visa are now able to extend it for up to 10 years, up from 5. 
4.23.   Japan  introduced two new work visas for foreigners temporarily entering Japan,  in sectors 
where skill shortages exist. Canada  made permanent its Global Talent Stream program me. The 
program me provides for a streamlined Labour Market Impact Assessment and expedited work permit 
processing for highly -skilled foreign workers in STEM -related professions (science, technology, 
engineering, math). The Kingdom of S audi Arabia  no longer requires l abour market tests before a 
block visa request is submitted by employers seeking to hire foreign nationals, while Egypt  removed 
the requirement that limited liability companies in the country appoint at least one manager of 
Egyptian na tionality.  
4.24.   In France , since April  2019, foreign nationals are required to be employed by their home 
employer for at least six months prior to transfer to France under the Intra -Corporate Transferee 
(ICT) Permit, up from three months previously. Oman 's Mini stry of Manpower has extended the 
temporary ban on the recruitment of foreign nationals in a number of sectors. The ban was originally 
introduced early in 2018 and has now been extended twice.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Air Services  Agreements  
4.25.   Table 4.1 below  presents information on  Air Services Agreements (ASAs) concluded during 
the period under review. These include both new ASAs and revisions of pre -existing ones. As far as 
can be assessed from available sources, the vast majority of these ASAs provides for more liberal 
access con ditions than was previously the case.  
Table 4.1 Air Services  Agreements2 concluded or amended during the reporting period 
(October  2018 -May 2019)  
Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
Macao, China  Qatar  10.10.2018  http://www.macaubusiness.com/macau -qatar -inks-bilateral -open-
skies-agreement -with-macau  
Singapore  Peru 16.10.2018  https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore -
peru-open-skies-agreement -10834954  
Jamaica  Slovenia  17.10.2018  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaica_to_sign_ne
w_air -service_agreements?profile=1228  
Jamaica  Morocco  17.10.2018  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaica_to_sign_ne
w_air -service_agreements?profile=1228  
Jamaica  Bahamas  17.10.2018  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaica_to_sign_ne
w_air -service_agreements?profile=1228  
Jamaica  South Africa  17.10.2018  http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Jamaica_to_sign_ne
w_air -service_agreements?profile=1228  
Korea, 
Republic of  Italy 18.10.2018  http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=225078  
Bosnia  United Arab 
Emirates  07.11.2018  https://www.exyuaviation.com/2018/11/bosnia -and-uae-ink-air-
agreement.html  
Philippines  Switzerland  20.11.2018  https://www.bworldonline.com/phl -signs-new-air-deal-with-
switzerland  
Kyrgyz 
Republic  Qatar  21.11.2018  https://www.azernews.az/region/141495.html  
Kuwait  Cyprus  25.11.2018  https://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2761136&langua
ge=en  
Guyana  Ghana  28.11.2018  http://www.financial -news.co.uk/51645/2018/11/guyana -signs-
air-service -agreement -with-ghana -201811280/  
Macao, China  China  27.11.2018  https://macaudailytimes.com.mo/mainland -macau -ink-new-
agreement -on-air-transport.html  
Australia  Fiji 10.2018  https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific -
news/377024/qantas -to-increase -fiji-flights  
United 
Kingdom  United 
States  28.11.2018  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk -and-us-agree -new-
open-skies-arrangements  
Nepal  Cambodia  29.11.2018  https://thehimalayantimes.com/business/nepal -cambodia -ink-
initial -pact-on-bilateral -air-services  
United 
Kingdom  Canada  2.12.2018  https://www.atn.aero/#/article.html?id=70624  
Congo  United 
States  10.12.2018  https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/business/Congo -US-sign-air-
transport -agreement/2560 -4888688 -14tdiipz/index.html  
Ghana  Seychelles  11.12.2018  http://www.ghananewsagency.org/economics/ghana -and-
seychelles -sign-bilateral -air-services -agreement -143061  
Ghana  Canada  13.12.2018  https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Governm
ent-eyes-aviation -gateway -as-Ghana -signs-deals-with-Canada -et-
al-708488  
Ghana  Jamaica  13.12.2018  https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Governm
ent-eyes-aviation -gateway -as-Ghana -signs-deals-with-Canada -et-
al-708488  
Ghana  Namibia  13.12.2018  https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Governm
ent-eyes-aviation -gateway -as-Ghana -signs-deals-with-Canada -et-
al-708488  
Ghana  Guyana  13.12.2018  https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/Governm
ent-eyes-aviation -gateway -as-Ghana -signs-deals-with-Canada -et-
al-708488  
Kenya  Cambodia  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements/  
Kenya  Bahamas  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
                                                
2 The term " air services  agreements" is used here to refer to Air Services Agreements, Memoranda of 
Understanding, Exchange of Notes, and other such relevant instruments.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 84 - 
 
  Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
Kenya  Jamaica  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
Kenya  Turkey  15.12.201 8 https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
Kenya  Seychelles  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
Kenya  Greece  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
Kenya  Finland  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
Kenya  Burkina Faso  15.12.2018  https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenya -concludes -
highest -number -of-air-service -agreements  
Seychelles  Bahamas  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and +trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+
with++countries  
Seychelles  Greece  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and  
+trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+with++countries  
Seychelles  Jamaica  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and  
+trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+with++countries  
Seychelles  Saudi Arabia  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and  
+trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+with++countries  
Seychelles  Switzerland  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and  
+trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+with++countrie s 
Seychelles  Turkey  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and  
+trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+with++countries  
Seychelles  Rwanda  14.12.2018  http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/10202/Eyeing+ne
w+tourism+and  
+trade%2C+Seychelles+signs+air+agreements+with++countries  
United 
Kingdom  Switzerland  17.12.2018  https://www.reuters.com/article/us -britain -eu-air/uk -signs-air-
service -deal-with-switzerland -for-post-brexit -flights -
idUSKBN1OG00E  
Rwanda  Israel  07.01.2019  https://ktpress.rw/2019/01/rwanda -signs-air-service -agreement -
with-israel/  
Nigeria  India 16.01.2019  https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg -signs-air-agreement -with-
india.html  
Cambodia  Finland  30.01.2019  https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50574394/air -deal-inked -with-
finland/  
Kazakhstan  United 
States  05.02.2019  https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/news/21056146/kazakhsta
n-announces -time-of-signing -open-sky-agreement -with-us 
Qatar  European 
Union  06.02.2019  https://www.logupdateafrica.com/eu -qatar -ink-new-air-service -
agreements -to-strengthen -ties-aviation  
Zimbabwe  Sri Lanka  23.02.2019  https://colombogazette.com/2019/02/23/zimbabwe -welcomes -
launch -of-air-services -with-sri-lanka  
Zimbabwe  Oman  23.02.2019  https://colombogazette.com/2019/02/23/zimbabwe -welcomes -
launch -of-air-services -with-sri-lanka/  
Peru Cuba 08.03.2019  https://mundo.sputniknews.com/america -
latina/201903081085948043 -peru-cuba-llegan -acuerdo -para-
aumentar -frecuencia -vuelos -comerciales  
Dominica  CARICOM -
MASA  28.02.2019  https://wicnews.com/caribbean/several -member -states -caricom -
sign-multilateral -air-services -agreement -220917044  
Grenada  CARICOM -
MASA  28.02.2019  https://wicnews.com/caribbean/several -member -states -caricom -
sign-multilateral -air-services -agreement -220917044  
Jamaica  CARICOM -
MASA  28.02.2019  https://wicnews.com/caribbean/several -member -states -caricom -
sign-multilateral -air-services -agreement -220917044  
Trinidad and 
Tobago  CARICOM -
MASA  28.02.2019  https://wicnews.com/caribbean/several -member -states -caricom -
sign-multilateral -air-services -agreement -220917044  
Morocco  Rwanda  19.03.2019  https://www.politicalanalysis.co.za/morocco -and-rwanda -sign-
new-partnership -agreement -in-12-different -sectors  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 85 - 
 
  Parties  Date of 
signature  Source  
Ghana  Malta  26.03.2019  https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghan
a-signs-Air-Services -Visa-waiver -agreements -with-Malta -733255  
Nigeria  Cape Verde  02.04.2019  https://punchng.com/nigeria -cape-verde -finalise -air-transport -
agreement  
Saudi Arabia, 
Kingdom of  Georgia  02.04.2019  https://aaco.org/media -center/news/aeropolitical/saudi -arabia -
and-georgia -sign-air-service -agreement  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  5  POLICY DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY  
5.1.  In November 2018, Georgia deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Protocol Amending 
the TRIPS Agreement.1 The Protocol gave effect to the 2005 Decision to amend the TRIPS  Agreement 
to address public health needs of countries with limited or no domestic pharmaceutical producti on 
capacity by creating an additional legal pathway for production and export of generic medicines.2  
Chart 5.1 Acceptance of the Amendment to the TRIPS Agreement  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
Bilateral and Regional Agreements  
5.2.  On the bilateral and regional fronts, Members continued to implement and negotiate a network 
of trade agreements that contain substantive IP provisions. Currently, over 70% of the RTAs in force 
and notified to the WTO contain specific I P provisions. Increasingly, RTAS have further developed 
the interconnection between IP and trade in goods and services, and the links of the IP system to 
other normative areas, such as investment, e -commerce, and competition policy. During the review 
period, the Comprehensive and Progressing Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), came 
into force in December 2018; the domestic procedures for the ratification of the 
United  States -Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA) were underway; and significant IP issu es were 
reportedly under consideration during the re -negotiations of the Association Agreement between 
Mexico and the European Union3, as well as in the continuing negotiations in the framework of the 
Pacific Alliance4 and between MERCOSUR and the European  Union.5 
5.3.  Members were also active signing cooperation agreements between IP offices. During the 
review period, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a patent prosecution highway agreement with 
                                                
1 The Amended TRIPS Agreement entered into force in January 2017 and applies to all Members which 
have accepted the Protocol. A waiver, agreed in 2003 ( WTO document WT/L/540 , 2 Septembe r 2003  and its 
WT/L/540 /Corr.1 , 29 July 2005 ), continues to apply to those  Members that are yet to accept the Protocol.  An 
up-to-date list of the Members that have accepted the Protocol is available here: 
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/amendment_e.htm . 
2 WTO document WT/L/641 , 8 December 2005 . 
3 Viewed at: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in -focus/eu -mexico -trade-agreement . 
4 Viewed at: https://alianzapacifico.net/inicio -en-chile-la-tercera -ronda -de-negociaciones -con-los-
candidatos -a-estado -asociado . 
5 As seen in: https://www.cancilleria.gob.ar/es/actualidad/noticias/ronda -de-negociaciones -mercosur -
ue. 
WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 87 - 
 
  the Korean Intellectual Property Office and a Memorandum of Unders tanding with the Chinese 
National Intellectual Property Administration.6  
5.4.  Domestically, Members are working to streamline IP into their economies. During the period 
under review, Myanmar prepared its IP National Strategy.7 The relationship between IP and t rade 
continued to develop and diversify as Members continued to modernize and fine -tune their IP 
legislation and administration ( Box 5.1).  
Box 5.1 Domestic legislation and administrative developments  
Australiaa 
Between August 2018 and February 2019, several amendments to IP legislation entered into force. These 
covered measures to: ensure that the safe harbour scheme procedures and requirements apply to new service 
providers in the academic, archiving, disabilit y and cultural sectors; allow the judiciary to issue injunctions to 
block access by users in Australia to overseas online locations that facilitate large -scale infringement of 
copyright; extend protection for secondary uses of sound recordings in Australia  to recordings from another 
32 countries which provide equivalent protection to Australian sound recordings; clarify parallel importation 
of trademarked goods; provide time -periods for non -use of trademark actions; improve the way derived 
variety declarati ons can be made for plant breeders' rights; remove the requirement for patentees to provide 
certain data related to pharmaceutical patents with an extended term; and streamline the administration on 
the IP system. In April 2019, a report on the Review of t he Code of Conduct for Copyright Collecting Societies 
was issued.  
Chileb 
In November 2018, the directives for trademark applications were updated, namely the chapter on prohibition 
to register names, pseudonyms and portraits of a natural person; and substa ntive requirements for 
commercial marks. These guidelines are available in electronic form only.  
Chinac 
The amended Patent Agency Regulations  entered into force on 1 March 2019. They improve the provisions 
regarding qualifications for practitioners, a code of conduct and services supervision.  
Indonesiad 
On 28 December 2018, the Regulation on Patent Applications  came into force. It establishes t echnical and 
administrative procedures for obtaining patent protection and accommodates applications for patent 
protection under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The Regulation on Procedures for Granting Compulsory 
Licenses  also entered into force on the sam e day.  
Thailande 
The Copyright Act entered into force on 11 March 2019. On the same day, the Ministry of Commerce issued a 
Notification on the Use of Exceptions on Copyright Infringement for the Benefits of Persons with Disabilities 
who are Unable to Acces s Copyright Works.  
a Submission by Australia for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report and notifications to the TRIPS Council.  
b Submission by Chile for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
c Submission by China for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
d Submission by I ndonesia for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
e Submission by Thailand for the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat.  
TRIPS Council  
5.5.  During the review period, the TRIPS Council met on two occasions, (8-9 November  2018 and 
13 February 2019 ). At the November 2018 meeting, Members agreed to grant permanent Observer 
status the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). The February  2019 meeting 
was immediately preceded by the Workshop on the Implementation of Article  66.2 of the TRIPS 
Agreement: Incentives for Technology Transfer, during which capital -based LDC experts reviewed 
the reports by implementing Members. This enabled a rich exchange, based on concrete 
recommendations, during the TRIPS Council meeting. At the two  meetings , discussions on 
non-violation and situation complaints under the TRIPS Agreement showed signs that some 
                                                
6 Submission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  
7 Submission by Myanmar to the WTO Trade Monitoring Report.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  delegations were willing to discuss specific examples of possible conditions for such complaints. 
However, other delegations maintained their establish ed positions.  
5.6.  Members also continued to share their national experiences and engaged in policy discussions 
on two  themes, namely IP and Innovation and IP and the Public Interest. Specific agenda items 
concerned IP and New Businesses8; Public -Private Collab orations in Innovation9; and Promoting 
Public health Through Competition Law and Policy.10 
5.7.  During the review period, 13 Members11 notified legislative measures under Article  63.2. Most 
of them introduced their new or amended laws during the Council's meeting s, providing insights into 
developments in different areas, for instance: copyrights and related rights; trademarks; 
geographical indications; industrial designs; patents; plant variety protection; and enforcement. 
Five Members submitted information on the ir contact points for the exchange of information and 
cooperation on trade in infringing goods, under Article 69.12 As part of the Review of the Application 
of the Provisions of the Section on Geographical Indications under Article 24.2 TRIPS, Ukraine 
introduced its responses to the Checklist of Questions; and Montenegro and Norway provided 
updates to their respective Checklists. Chile submitted its contact points for technical cooperation, 
as per Article  67. 
e-TRIPS  
5.8.  e-TRIPS is an online information submission and management system, designed to facilitate 
the processing of, and access to, TRIPS -related information. In F ebruary 2019, the Secretariat 
launched for Members' use the English version of the  e-TRIPS Notifications Submission System, a 
user-friendly online platform for submitting TRIPS notifications, review materials and reports. It 
enables Members to easily submi t TRIPS -related information and streamlines the Secretariat's 
internal processing. As of June 2019, the System will be available in the three official WTO 
languages.  The Secretariat is providing detailed training and information material to Members on 
how to use the e -TRIPS Submission System. In addition, progress on the development of the e -TRIPS 
Gateway, an online information portal that will allow users to search and extract the full range of 
TRIPS information managed by the Secretariat, has advanced ste adily. The Secretariat is providing 
demonstrations and regular updates to Members regarding the e -TRIPS Gateway's development.  
TRIPS -related Discussions in Trade Policy Reviews  
5.9.  During the review period, the Trade Policy Mechanism reviewed  13 Members13, including the 
first reviews for Vanuatu and Samoa. These  reviews included discussions on a wide range of IP  issues 
with a bearing on trade policy .  
 
                                                
8 WTO d ocument  IP/C/W/648 , 19 October 2018  and IP/C/W/648 /Add.1, 2 November 2018 . 
9 WTO d ocument IP/C/W/652 , 8 February 2019  and IP/C/W/652 /Add.1, 12 February 2019 . 
10 WTO d ocument IP/C/W/649 , 29 October 2018 and IP/C/W/649 /Add.1, 2 November 2018 ; 
IP/C/W/649 /Add.2, 7 November 2018 ; IP/C/W/649 /Add.3, 20 November 2018 ; and IP/C/W/651, 
1 February  2019. 
11 Canada; Colombia;  Croatia;  European Union; Finland; Japan;  Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Republic of;  
Norway;  Samoa;  Chinese Taipei ; Ukraine and United States.  
12 Angola, Myanmar, Samoa, Ukraine and To nga. 
13 Vanuatu; Armenia; Hong Kong, China; Nepal; Un ited States; Ecuador; the East African Community 
(Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda); Bangladesh; and Samoa.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  ANNEX 1 – MEASURES FACILITATI NG TRADE1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2018 TO MID -MAY 2019)  
Confirmed informati on2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Afghanistan  
Trade facilitation measures through the reduction of 
export compulsory documents from 10 to 5  Permanent Delegation of 
Afghanistan (26  April 2019)   
Argentina  
Amendments introduced to the list of informatics and  
telecommunications goods (182 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level in NCM Chapters 74; 84; 85; 90) , granting the 
elimination of import tariffs  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Decreto 
No. 973/2018 – Nomenclatura 
Común del Mercosur 
(30 October 2018)  Effective 
1 November 2018  
Trade facilitation measure for importers through the 
implementation of the " Documento de Tránsito 
Sanitario Vegetal Electronico (DTV -e)" Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Resolución 
General Conjunta 4297, 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos y Servicio 
Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad 
Agroalimentaria 
(24 August  2018)  Effective 
25 December 2018  
Trade facilitation measure for exporters through the 
implementation of the "Documento de  Tránsito 
Sanitario Vegetal Electronico (DTV -e)" Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Resolución 
General Conjunta 4297, 
Administración Federal de 
Ingresos Públicos y Servicio 
Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad 
Agroalimentaria 
(24 August  2018)  Effective 
25 December 2018  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain parts 
and accessories of motorcycles not locally produced in 
Mercosur, destined for transformation by local 
industries (8 tariff lines at 8 -digit level in NCM 8703 and 
8711)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Decreto 
No. 81/2019 – Nomenclatura 
Común del Mercosur 
(24 January 2019)  Effective until 
31 December 2023  
Simplification of administrative customs procedures 
(i.e. elimination of export controls, registered exporter 
rules and selected sea ports) on exports of raw hides 
and skins of bovine or equine animals (fresh, or salted, 
dried, limed, pickled or otherwise preserved, but not 
tanned, parchment -dressed or further pr epared), 
whether or not dehaired or split (NCM 4101)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Resolución 
No. 4454/2019, Administración 
Federal de Ingresos Públicos 
(1 April 2019)  Effective 
5 April 2019 
Brazil  
Temporary reduction (to  2%) of import tariffs on 
6-hexanelactam (NCM 2933.71.00), under an import 
quota of 2,000 tonnes (effective 16 October 2018); on 
poly(ethylene terephthalate) (NCM 3907.61.00), under 
an import quota of 1,000 tonnes (effective 30 
December 2018); on soda lye or liquid soda in aqueous 
solution (NCM 2815.12.00), under an import quota of 
88,000  tonnes (effective 28 December 2018 to 
27 December 2019); on certain printing inks 
(NCM  3215.19.00), under an import quota of 
720 tonnes (effective 30 December 2018 to Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019), 
Camex Resolution Nos. 
75/2018 (15 October 2018), 
87/2018 (19 November 2018), 
91/2018 (5 December 2018), 
98/2018 (7 December 2018) 
and 105/2018 
(27 December  2018); Secex 
Portaria Nos. 67/2018, 
68/2018, 69/2018, 70/2018, Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, i s protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information which has either been pr ovided by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
29 December  2019); on jute (NCM 5303.10.10), under 
an import quota of 7,000 tonnes (effective 
28 December 2018 to 27 December 2019); on 
polycarbonates (NCM  3907.40.90), under an import 
quota of 35,040 tonnes (effective 1 January 2019 to 
31 December 2019); on b lack printing ink 
(NCM  3215.11.00), under an import quota of 
455 tonnes (effective 23 January 2019 to 
22 January  2020); on disodium sulphate 
(NCM  2833.11.10), under an import quota of 
910,000  tonnes (effective 31 January 2019 to 
30 January 2020); on polyam ide-6 (NCM 3908.10.24), 
under an import quota of 14,200 tonnes (effective 
10 December 2018 to 9  December 2019); on sulphates 
(de cromo ) (NCM  2833.29.60), under an import quota 
of 500,000  tonnes (effective 10 December 2018 to 
9 December 2019); on chemical p reparations for 
photographic uses (NCM 3707.90.21), under an import 
quota of 1,700 tonnes (effective 7 December 2018 to 
6 December 2019); on acrylic polymers in primary 
forms (NCM 3906.90.49), under an import quota of 
800 tonnes (effective 7 December 2018 to 6 December 
2019); on p -Xylene (NCM 2902.43.00), under an import 
quota of 290,000 tonnes (effective 22 December 2018 
to 21 December 2019); on malt, not roasted 
(NCM  1107.10.10), under an import quota of 
400,000  tonnes (effective 22 December 2018 to 
21 December 2020); on elastomeric of high tenacity 
yarn (NCM  5402.47.10), under an import quota of 
2,200  tonnes (effective 2 January 2019 to 
1 January  2020); on aluminium foil , rolled but not 
further worked (NCM 7607.11.90), under an import 
quota of 2,137 ton nes (effective 1 February 2019 to 
31 January 2020); on dimethylamine 
(NCM  2921.11.21), under an import quota of 
12,000  tonnes (effective 23 January 2019 to 
22 January  2020); and on sardines (NCM 0303.53.00), 
under an import quota of 120,000 tonnes (effecti ve 
8 February 2019 to 8 February 2020)  71/2018 (13 December 2018), 
75/2018, 76/2018, 77/2018 
and 78/2018 (28 December 
2018); and Secint Portaria 
No. 154 (6 February 2019)  
Temporary elimination  of import tariffs on casein 
(paracaseína ), styrene -acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, 
acrylonitrile -butadiene -styrene (ABS) copolymers, 
electric conductors for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V, and 
on certain amusement park structures (NCM 
3501.10.00; 3903.20.00;  3903.30.20; 8544.60.00; 
9508.90.90) (effective 10 December 2018). Elimination 
of import tariffs on certain miscellaneous chemical 
products (NCM 3808.69.90) (effective 17 October 2018)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019) and 
Camex Resol ution 
Nos. 77/2018 (17 October 
2018) and 98/2018 
(7 December  2018)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on certain 
vaccines for humans ( hepatite B ), under an import 
quota of 24 million doses; on certain vaccin es for 
humans ( raiva), under an import quota of 3 million 
doses; on certain vaccines for humans ( hepatite A ), 
under an import quota of 4.5 million doses; on certain 
vaccines for humans ( difteria, tétano e pertussis, 
acelular ), under an import quota of 5 mi llion doses; and 
on certain vaccines for humans ( virus do papiloma 
humano tetravalente recombinante ), under an import 
quota of 10 million doses (NCM 3002.20.23; 
3002.20.27; 3002.20.29)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019), 
Camex Resoluti on 
Nos. 75/2018 (15 October 
2018) and 78/2018 
(23 October 2018), and Secex 
Portaria Nos. 75/2018, 
76/2018, 77/2018 and 
78/2018 (28 December 2018)  Effective 
16 October 2018  
Elimination of the temporary increase of import tariffs 
on gypsum boards (NCM 6809. 11.00)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019) and 
Camex Resolution No. 
101/2018 (17 December 2018)  Effective 
17 December 2018  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 720 capital 
goods tariff lines, and 49 informatics and 
telecommunications goods tariff lines (NCM 
Chapters  84; 85; 90; 94), through the "ex -out" regime 
(mechanism designed to temporarily reduce import 
tariffs on capital goods and informatics and 
telecommunications equipment not locally produced)  Permanent Dele gation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019), 
Camex Resolution 
Nos. 85/2018, 86/2018 
(9 November 2018), 95/2018 
and 96/2018 
(7 December  2018)  Effective until 
30 June 2020  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on 506 capital 
goods tariff lines, and 33 info rmatics and 
telecommunications goods tariff lines (NCM 
Chapters  84; 85; 86; 87; 89; 90; 94), through the 
"ex-out" regime  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019) and 
Secint Portaria No s. 219/2019 
and 220/2019 
(25 February  2019)  Effective until 
30 December  2020  
Decrease of import tariffs (from 6% to 2%) on shelled 
hazelnuts (NCM 0802.22.00); (from 14% to 2%) on 
photographic film in rolls for x -ray (NCM 3702.10.20); 
(from 16% to 2%) on parts and accessories for pianos 
(NCM 9209.91.00); and  (from 12% to 2%) on esters of 
acrylic acid (NCM 2916.12.20); and on viscose rayon 
staple fibres (NCM 5504.10.00)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019) and 
Camex Resolution No. 58/2018 
(31 August 2018)  Effective 
1 January  2019  
Decrease  of import tariffs (to 2%) on certain inorganic 
and organic chemicals (49 tariff lines at 8 -digit level in 
NCM Chapters 28 and 29)  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22 May 2019) and 
Secint Portaria No. 241/2019 
(20 March 2019)  Effective 
29 March  2019 
Temporary reduction of import tariffs (to 2%) on vinyl 
chloride -vinyl acetate copolymers (NCM 3904.30.00), 
under an import quota of 6,000 tonnes  Permanent Delegation of Brazil 
to the WTO (22  May 2019),  
Secint Portaria No. 390/2019 
(6 May 2019) and S ecex 
Portaria No.  12/2019 
(9 May 2019)  Effective 
10 May 2019 to 
9 May 2020  
China  
Reduction of import tariffs on certain products 
(1,585  tariff lines at 8 -digit level in HS Chapters 03; 13; 
15; 20; 21; 25; 27; 28; 29; 30; 37; 40; 41; 42; 44; 
45; 48; 49; 5 0; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 58; 59; 60; 
68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 76; 81; 82; 83; 84; 85; 
86; 87; 89; 90; 92; 94; 96)  Permanent Delegation of China 
to the WTO (23 April 2019) 
and Customs Tariff 
Commission Announcement 
No. 9/2018 on reduction of 
import tar iffs for certain 
commodities. Viewed at: 
http://gss.mof.gov.cn/zhengw
uxinxi/zhengcefabu/201809/P0
20180930650864922349.pdf  Effective 
1 November 2018  
VAT rebate rates  were increased on exports of certain 
products, e.g. (to 16%) on photographic paper and 
film, plastics, bamboo floor coverings, woven rattan, 
tempered safety glass and lamps; (to 13%) on 
lubricants, aircraft tyres, carbon fibre and certain metal 
products; and ( to 10%) on certain agricultural products, 
bricks, tiles and glass fibre  Permanent Delegation of China 
to the WTO (22 May 2019)  Effective 
1 November 2018  
Reduction of export duties on certain products, e.g. 
bones and horn -cores, zinc ores and concentrates,  tin 
ores and concentrates, phosphorus, benzene, iron and 
steel, copper and articles thereof, nickel and articles 
thereof, aluminium and articles thereof, zinc and 
articles thereof, and unwrought antimony (HS 0506; 
2608; 2609; 2804; 2902; 7201; 7202; 7402;  7403; 
7404; 7407; 7408; 7409; 7502; 7508; 7601; 7602; 
7604; 7605; 7606; 7901; 8110)  Permanent Delegation of China 
to the WTO (22 May 2019)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Imposition of interim tariffs, resulting in the temporary 
reduction of import tariffs on c ertain products, e.g. live 
animals; fish and crustaceans; dairy produce; products 
of animal origin; edible fruits and nuts; oil seeds and 
oleaginous fruits; vegetable saps and extracts; 
vegetable products; animal or vegetable fats and oils; 
cocoa and cocoa  preparations; preparations of cereals, 
flour, starch or milk; miscellaneous edible preparations; 
beverages; residues and waste from food industries; 
tobacco and manufactured tobacco; salt, earths and 
stone, lime and cement; mineral fuels and oils; 
inorgan ic and organic chemicals; pharmaceutical 
products; fertilizers; tanning or dyeing extracts; Permanent Delegation of China 
to the WTO (22 May 2019) and 
Announcement No. 65/2018 of 
the Customs Tariff Commission  Effective 
1 January  2019 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
perfumery; soap and organic surface -active agents; 
albuminoidal substances; photographic or 
cinematographic goods; miscellaneous chemical 
products; plastics and art icles thereof; rubber and 
articles thereof; raw hides and skins; furskins and 
artificial fur; wood and articles of wood; cork and 
articles of cork; paper and paperboard; printed books; 
cotton; other vegetable textile fibres; wadding; articles 
of apparel an d clothing accessories; articles of stone, 
plaster, and cement; ceramic products; glass and 
glassware; precious or semi -precious stones; iron and 
steel; copper and articles thereof; nickel and articles 
thereof; other base metals; tools of base metals; 
mach inery and mechanical appliances; electrical 
machinery; vehicles; instruments, parts and accessories 
thereof; and miscellaneous manufactured articles 
(HS Chapters 01; 03; 04; 05; 08; 12; 13; 14; 15; 18; 
19; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 
34; 35; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 43; 44; 45; 48; 49; 52; 
53; 56; 61; 62; 63; 68; 69; 70; 71; 72; 74; 75; 81; 
82; 84; 85; 87; 90; 91; 92; 96)  
Suspension of the imposition of additional tariffs on 
imports of certain vehicles, and parts and accessories 
thereof (211 tariff lines at 8 -digit level, in HS 
Chapter  87), from the United States  Permanent Delegation of China 
to the WTO  (22 May 2019)  Effective from 
1 January 2019 to 
31 March 2019. On 
1 April 2019 , the 
suspension was 
extended  
Reduction of VAT (to 3%) on certain imported 
pharmaceutical products for rare diseases (HS 2930; 
2933; 2934; 2935; 3002; 3004)  Permanent Delegation  of China 
to the WTO (22 May 2019)  Effective 
1 March  2019 
Colombia  
Trade facilitation measures through the enlargement of 
import operations processed through the Single Window 
for Foreign Trade (VUCE 2.0)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(30 April 2019)  Effective 
5 December 2018  
Trade facilitation measures through the enlargement of 
export operations processed through the Single Window 
for Foreign Trade (VUCE 2.0)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(30 April 2019)  Effective 
5 December 2018  
Costa Rica  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs on rice in the 
husk (paddy or rough) (HS 1006.10.90), under an 
import quota of 44,403 metric tonnes  Permanent Delegation of 
Costa  Rica to the WTO 
(23 April 2019)  Effective 
January  2019 to 
June 2019 
Creation of a new tariff line "certain strip of plastic" 
(HS 3920.20.15) resulting in the elimination of import 
tariffs  Permanent Delegation of 
Costa  Rica to the WTO 
(23 April 2019)  Effective 
1 April 2019 
Egypt  
Elimination of export taxes on fresh, refrigerated and 
frozen fish (HS Chapter 03)  Permanent Delegation of Egypt 
to the WTO (22 May  2019)  Effective 
6 January  2019 
The Gambia  
Trade facilitation measures through the reduction of the 
customs processing fees (from 1.55% to 1%) for all 
import operations  Permanent Delegation of the 
Gambia (22 May 2019)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
India  
Amendments introduced to the import policy of aviation 
gasoline (HS 2710.12.19), resulting in an import 
liberalization  Permanent Delegation of India 
to the WTO (24 May 2019) and 
Notification No. 51/2015 -2020, 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry – Department of 
Commerce (8 January 2019)  Effective 
8 January  2019 
Reduction of import tariffs on electrically operated 
vehicles an d motorcycles (HS 8702; 8703; 8704; 
8711), under certain conditions  Permanent Delegation of India 
to the WTO (24 May 2019) and 
Notification No. 3/2019 -
Customs, Ministry of Finance – 
Department of Revenue 
(29 January 2019)  Effective 
30 January 2019  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 93 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Indones ia 
Elimination of import tariffs on certain products, e.g. 
floor coverings of plastic, new pneumatic tyres, articles 
of iron and steel, machinery and mechanical appliances, 
electrical machinery and equipment, and paper and 
paperboard (HS Chapters 39; 40; 44; 48; 72; 73; 76; 
84; 85; 90; 94), imported for specific industrial sectors  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and Regulation 
No. 209/PMK.010/2018 – 
Ministry of Finance 
(31 December  2018)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Japan  
Elimination of import tariffs on naphthols and their salts 
(HS 2907.15); vinylene carbonate, fluoroethylene 
carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, propylene carbonate 
and diethyl carbonate (HS 2920.90); 
hexamethylenediamine and its salts (HS 2921.22); 
crystal violet lactone (HS 2932.20); bio -polyethylene 
(HS 3901.10; 3901.20; 3901.40; 3901.90); and 
polytrimethylene terephtalate (HS 3907.99)  Permanent Delegation of Japan 
to the WTO (15 May 2019)  Effective 
1 April 2019 
Malaysia  
Reduction of import tariffs (from  25% to 15%) on 
bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles), 
not motorized (HS 8712.00.30)  Customs Duties (Amendment) 
(No. 3) – Order 2018 
(31 December 2018)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Mexico  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import ta riffs 
on meat of swine, chilled or frozen (HS 0203), under 
import quotas (from 28 December 2018 to 
31 January  2019: 91,543 tonnes; from 1 February 2019 
to 31 March 2019: 157,179 tonnes; and from 
1 April 2019 to 30 June 2019: 240,000 tonnes)  Permanent Deleg ation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and Diarios 
Oficiales de la Federación 
(Official Journals), 
28 December 2018, 
29 January  2019 and 
22 March  2019 Effective 
28 December 2018 
to 30 June 2019  
Philippines  
Further reduction of import tariffs under the Expansion 
of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) 
(207 tariff lines at 8 -digit level in HS Chapters 32; 35; 
37; 39; 49; 84; 85; 88; 90; 95)  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO 
(21 May 2019)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 5%) on 
aromatic ethers and their halogenated, sulphonated, 
nitrated or nitrosated derivatives; monobutyl ethers of 
ethylene glycol or of diethylene glycol; cyclic polymers 
of alde hydes; certain aromatic monoamines and their 
derivatives; organic derivatives of hydrazine or of 
hydroxylamine; organo -sulphur compounds; and 
sulphonamides, for the production of plant protection 
chemicals (effective 22 October 2018 to 
31 December  2020); ( from 3%) on quaternary 
ammonium salts and hydroxides; and lecithins and 
other phosphoaminolipids, whether or not chemically 
defined, for the production of plant protection chemicals 
(effective 22 October 2018 to 31 December 2020); 
(from 8%) on electrodes o f a kind used for furnaces 
(effective 23 December 2018 to 31 December 2019); 
(from 5%) on latex for the manufacture of carpets 
(effective 23 December 2018 to 31 December 2021); 
(from 6.5%) on plastics for the manufacture of 
wallpapers (effective 20 Decembe r 2018 to 
31 December 2020); (from 8%) on fertilized fish eggs 
(effective 13 January 2019 to 28 February 2022);  (from 
5%) on new rubber pneumatic tyres for bicycles; and 
certain parts and accessories for bicycles (effective 
27 January 2019 to 31 August 202 0); (from 10%) on 
rubber inner tubes of a kind used on bicycles (effective 
27 January 2019 to 31 August 2020); (from 15%) on 
iron or steel roller chain for the manufacture of bicycles 
(effective 27 January 2019 to 31 August 2020); (from 
10%) on certain fis h and crustaceans (effective 28 
February 2019 to 28  February  2022); (from 5%) on 
certain polypropylene yarn, multiple (folded) or cabled 
for the manufacture of carpets (effective 23 March 2019 
to 29 February 2020); on certain electrodes (effective Permanent Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to the WTO 
(27 May 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 94 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
24 April  2019 to 30  April 2020); and on prepared 
binders for foundry moulds or cores; and chemical 
products and preparations of the chemical or allied 
industries (including those consisting of mixtures of 
natural products) (effective 18  November 2018 to 31 
Decembe r 2020). Temporary reduction (from 12.5% to 
5%) of import tariffs on certain electrodes (effective 24 
April 2019 to 30  April 2020) (HS 2909.30.90; 
2909.43.00; 2912.50.00; 2921.49.00; 2928.00.90; 
2930.90.95; 2935.90.90; 2923.90.00; 8545.11.00; 
4002.11.00; 4 011.50.00; 8714.93.00; 8714.94.20; 
8714.96.00; 8714.96.10; 8714.99.50; 8714.99.90; 
4013.20.00; 7315.11.10; 0301.91.90; 0301.99.11; 
5402.63.00; 8545.19.00; 8545.90.90; 3824.99.93)  
Extension of the temporary elimination of import tariffs 
on engines of a kind used for the propulsion of certain 
vehicles (HS 8408.20.99) (effective 9 November 2018 
to 30 September 2019), and on ground natural calcium  
phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and 
phosphatic chalk (HS 2510.20.00) (effective 
13 January  2019 to 4 January 2021)  Permanent Delegation of the 
Russian Federation to the WTO 
(27 May 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Turkey  
Elimination of import tariffs (from 4%) on sesamum 
seeds for sowing  (effective 31 October 2018); (from 
10%) on raw sesamum seeds (effective 
31 October  2018); and (from 20%) on cocoa shells, 
husks, skins and other cocoa waste (effective 
1 January  2019). Re duction of import tariffs (from 
23.4% to 10%) on hulled sesamum seeds (effective 
31 October 2018); and (from 29.8% to 15%) on 
sunglasses (effective 7 December 2018) (HS 
1207.40.10; 1207.40.90; 1802.00.00; 9003.90.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the W TO 
(24 May 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Temporary elimination of import tariffs (from 49.5%) 
on onions (HS 0703.10.19) (originally effective from 
15 January 2019 to 31 March 2019). On 7 April 2019, 
the elimination of import tariffs was  extended until 
30 April 2019  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO 
(24 May 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  
Recorded, but not -confirmed information3 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Sri Lanka  
Elimination of the Export Development Board levy on 
certain imports, e.g. fruit, vegetables, processed and 
unprocessed food, plastic products, textiles and 
apparel, footwear, ceramic, and glassware  Press reports 
(October  2018)   
 
                                                
3 This Section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has not yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  ANNEX 2  - TRADE REMEDIES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2018  to MID-MAY 201 9) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Argentina  
Termination on 24 October 2018 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of poly(ethylene terephthalate) granules 
"PET" (NCM 3907.60.00) from Chinese Taipei and 
Thailand (investigation initiated on 25 April 2012 and 
definitive duty imposed on 25 October 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/ARG, 
18 March  2019  
Initiation on 6 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of fibreboard of wood obtained 
through the wet production process, of a density of 
0.8 g/cm³ or more, but less than 1.2 g/cm³, not surface 
covered (NCM 4411.92.10; 4411.92.90; 4411.93.10; 
4411.93.90) from Brazil  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 122/2018, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio (4 December 2018)   
Initiation on 19 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of steel wheels of a kind used 
on buses, lorries, trailers or semi -trailers 
(NCM  8708.70; 8708.99; 8716.90.90) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/ARG, 
18 March  2019  
Initiation on 25 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of mixtures containing 
perfluorocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), 
but not containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or 
hydroc hlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) (NCM 3824.78.10; 
3824.78.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 7/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(21 February 2019)   
Initiation on 25 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of aluminium sheets of a 
thickness exceeding 0.2 mm (NCM 7606.91.00; 
7606.92.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 8/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(21 February 2019)   
Initiation on 8 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain aluminium foil 
(NCM  7607.11.90) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 17/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(6 March  2019)   
Initiation on 17 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of mechanical appliances (whether or not 
hand-operated) for projecting, di spersing or spraying 
liquids or powders; fire extinguishers, whether or not 
charged; spray guns and similar appliances; and steam 
or sand blasting machines and similar jet projecting 
machines (NCM 8424.89.90; 8479.89.99) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 39/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(15 April 2019)   
                                                
1 The inclusion of any meas ure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure refe rred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information which has either been provided by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 23 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of poly(ethylene terephthalate) having  a 
viscosity number of 78 ml/g or higher 
(NCM  3907.61.00) from Oman  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 43/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(22 April 2019)   
Termination on 23 April 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of vacuum 
cleaners (NCM 8508.11.00; 8508.19.00) from China 
(initiated on 7 November 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 42/2019, 
Minist erio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(22 April 2019)   
Initiation on 26 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of machines and apparatus for arc (including 
plasma arc) welding of metals (NCM 8515.31.90; 
8515.39.00) fro m China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 45/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(24 April 2019)   
Initiation on 7 May 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of tubes of aluminium (NCM 7608.10.00; 
7608.20.90) from Brazil and China  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and 
Resolución No. 48/2019, 
Ministerio de Producción y 
Trabajo, Secretaría de 
Comercio Exterior 
(6 May 2019)   
Australia  
Initiation on 16 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of steel reinforcing bar (HS 
7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7227.90.10; 7227.90.90; 
7228.30.10; 7228.30.90; 7228.60.10) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/AUS, 
15 April 2019; Permanent 
Delegation of A ustralia to the 
WTO (23  April 2019) and 
Australia Customs Dumping 
Notice No. 2019/7 
(23 May 2019)  Provisional duty 
imposed on 
15 January 2019  
Initiation on 16 November 2018 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of steel reinforcing bar (HS 
7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7227.90.10; 7227.90.90; 
7228.30.10; 7228.30.90; 7228.60.10) from Turkey  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/AUS, 
14 March  2019  
Termination on 22 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of aluminium road wheels (ARWs) for 
passenger mo tor vehicles, including wheels used for 
caravans and trailers, in diameters ranging from 13 to 
22 inches (HS 8708.70.91; 8708.70.99; 8716.90.00) 
from China (investigation initiated on 
7 November  2011. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 31 May and  5 July 2012, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/AUS, 
15 April 2019  
Termination on 22 November 2018 of countervailing 
duties on imports of aluminium road wheels (ARWs) for 
passenger motor vehicles, including wheels used for 
caravans and trailers, in diameters ranging from 13 to 
22 inches (HS 8708.70.91; 8708.70.99; 8716.90.00) 
from China (investigation initiated on 7 November 
2011. Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
31 May and 5 July 2012, respectively)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/AUS, 
14 March  2019  
Termination on 19 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of hot -rolled plate steel 
(HS 7208.40.00; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7225.40.00) 
from China; Indonesia; Japan; and Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 12 February 2013. Provision al 
and definitive duties imposed on 19 July and 
19 December 2013, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/AUS, 
15 April 2019  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 97 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 19 December 2018 of countervailing 
duties on imports of hot -rolled plate steel 
(HS 7208.40.00; 7208.51.00; 7208.52.00; 7225.40.00) 
from China (investigation initiated on 12 February 2013 
and definitive duty imposed on 19 December 2013)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/AUS, 
14 March  2019  
Termination on 14 January 2019 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of processed dri ed currants (HS  0806.20) 
from Greece (imposed on 14 January 2009)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019) and Australia 
Customs Dumping Notice 
No. 2018/158 
(10 October  2018)   
Termination on 24 January 2019 (without measure) of 
counterv ailing investigation on imports of railway 
wheels (HS 8607.19.00) from China (initiated on 
18 April 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019)   
Initiation on 26 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of solid base angles 
(HS 7216.61.00; 7228.70.00; 7308.30.00; 7308.90.00) 
from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019) and Australia 
Customs Dumping Notice 
No. 2019/26 
(26 February  2019)   
Termination on 15 March 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of A4 copy paper 
(HS 4802.56.10) from Austria (initiated on 
19 March  2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019)   
Initiation on 18 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of power tran sformers 
(HS 8504.22.00; 8504.23.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019) and Australia 
Customs Dumping Notice 
No. 2019/35 (18 March 2019)   
Termination on 18 March 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on im ports of alloy round 
steel bars (HS 7228.20.10; 7228.20.90; 7228.30.10; 
7228.30.90; 7228.60.10; 7228.60.90) from China 
(investigation initiated on 10 January 2017, terminated 
on 25 January 2018, and resumed on 2  May 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019)   
Termination on 16 April 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of prepared or preserved tomato products (by 
all exporters other than Feger di Gerardo Ferraioli 
S.p.A. and La Doria S.p.A.) (HS 2002.10.00) from Italy 
(investigation  initiated on 10 July 2013. Provisional and 
definitive duties imposed on 1 November 2013 and 
16 April 2014, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019) and Australia 
Customs Dumping Notice 
No. 2019/31 (16 April 2019)   
Termina tion on 17 April 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of wind towers (HS 7308.20.00; 7308.90.00; 
8502.31.10; 8502.31.90) from Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 28 August 2013. Provisional 
and definitive duties imposed on 6 December 2013 and 
16 April 2014, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Australia to the WTO 
(23 May 2019) and Australia 
Customs Dumping Notice 
No. 2019/33 (27 March 2019)   
Brazil  
Termination on 19 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of basic refractories 
(NCM  6902.10.18; 6902.10.19) from China and Mexico 
(investigation initiated on 2 July 2012 and definitive 
duty imposed on 19 December 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/BRA, 
15 March  2019  
Termination on 27 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of r educed indigo blue 
(NCM  3204.15.90) from China and Singapore 
(investigation initiated on 30 October 2012 and 
definitive duty imposed on 27 December 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/BRA, 
15 March  2019  
Termination on 27 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of reduced indigo blue 
(NCM  3204.15.90) from Germany (imposed on 
24 March 2008)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/BRA, 
15 March  2019  
On 19 January 2019, extension of the temporary 
suspension of anti -dumping duties on imports of 
hot-rolled steel (NCM 72 08.10.00; 7208.25.00; 
7208.26.10; 7208.26.90; 7208.27.10; 7208.27.90; 
7208.36.10; 7208.36.90; 7208.37.00; 7208.38.10; Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Camex 
Resolution No. 97/2018 
(7 December 2018)   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 98 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
7208.38.90; 7208.39.10; 7208.39.90; 7208.40.00; 
7208.53.00; 7208.54.00; 7208.90.00; 7225.30.00; 
7225.40.90) from China and the Russian Fed eration 
(investigation initiated on 20 July 2016. Definitive duty 
imposed on 19 January 2018 but suspended for one 
year)  
Termination on 6 February 2019 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of milk (NCM 0402) from the 
European  Union and New Zealand (imposed on 
23 February 2001)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Secex 
Circular No. 5/2019 
(5 February 2019)   
Termination on 13 March 2019 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of nylon yarns (NCM 5402.31.11; 
5402.31.19; 5402.45.20) from Thailand (investigation 
initiated on 9 July 2012. Provisional and definitive 
duties imposed on 16 September 2013 and 
27 December 2013, respectively)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(22 May 2019)   
Termination on 24 April 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of precipitated silicon dioxide 
(NCM  2811.22.10) from China (investigation initiated 
on 26 October 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 
24 April 2014)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Secex 
Circular No. 24/2018 
(6 June 2018)   
Canada  
Termination on 18 April 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of nitisinone capsules (HS 3003.90.00; 
3004.90.00) from Sweden (investigation initiated on 
21 September 2018 and provisional duty imposed on 
20 December 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Canada to the WTO 
(22 May 2019)   
Chile  
Termination on 23 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of steel bars used for the pr oduction 
of conventional mill balls for grinding minerals, of a 
diameter of less than 3.5 inches (HS 7228.30.00) from 
China (investigation initiated on 31 January 2017 and 
definitive duty imposed on 22 November 2017)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/CHL, 
18 April 2019  
Termination on 23 January 2019 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of powdered milk 
and Gouda cheese (HS 0402; 0406) (initiated on 
8 March  2018)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/CHL/12, 
25 January 2019   
Termination on 2 May 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of steel bars 
(HS 7213.10.00; 7214.20.00; 7227.90.00; 7228.30.00) 
from Mexico (investigation initiated on 8  March  2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Chile to the WTO 
(15 May 2019)   
China  
Initiation on 16 October 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of vertical machining centres 
(HS 8457.10.10) from Japan and Chinese  Taipei  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/CHN, 
12 April 2019  
Termination on 1 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of solar -grade polysilicon 
(HS 2804.61.90) from the European Union 
(investigation initiated on 1 November 2012 and 
definitive duty imposed on 30 April 2014)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/CHN, 
12 April 2019  
Termination on 1 November 2018 of countervailing 
duties on imports o f solar -grade polysilicon 
(HS 2804.61.90) from the European Union 
(investigation initiated on 1 November 2012 and 
definitive duty imposed on 30 April 2014)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/CHN, 
9 April 2019  
Initiation on 19 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investig ation on imports of barley (HS 1003.10.00; 
1003.90.00) from Australia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/CHN, 
12 April 2019  
Initiation on 26 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of 7 -phenylacetamido -3-
chloromethyl -3-cephem -4-carboxylic 
acidpmethoxybenzyl ester (HS 2934.99.60) from India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/CHN, 
12 April 2019  
Initiation on 26 November 2018 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of 7 -phenylacetamido -3-
chloromethyl -3-cephem -4-carboxylic 
acidpmethoxybenzyl ester ( HS 2934.99.60) from India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/CHN, 
9 April 2019  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 99 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 21 December 2018 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of barley (HS 1003.10.00; 
1003.90.00) from Australia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/CHN, 
9 April 2019  
Initiation on  10 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of methionine (HS 2930.40.00) from Japan, 
Malaysia and Singapore  MOFCOM Announcement 
No. 16/2019 (10 April 2019)   
Colombia  
Termination on 19 October 2018 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of hoes, digging bars and picks 
(HS 8201.30.00) from China (imposed on 29 July 2009)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/COL, 
12 April 2019  
Termination on 1 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of link chain, polished or galvanized 
(HS 7315.82.00) from China (imposed on 
20 April 2007)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/COL, 
12 April 2019  
Termination on 30 November 2018 (without measure) 
of anti -dumping investigation on imports of paper and 
paperboard coated, impregnated or covered with 
plastics "tetra brick aseptic" ( HS 4811.59.20) from 
Brazil (initiated on 10 August 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/COL, 
12 April 2019  
Initiation on 11 April 2019 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of sheets of paperboard and polyethylene, with 
an intermediate layer of aluminium foil as an oxygen 
barrier, used for the aseptic packaging of UHT treated 
foodstuffs (HS 4811.59.20)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/COL/8, 
16 April 2019  
Costa Rica  
Termination on 28 January 2019 (without measure) of 
safeguard investigation on imports of bars and rods of 
steel for concrete reinforcement (HS 7214.20.00; 
7214.99.20; 7228.30.00; 7228.50.00; 7228.60.00) 
(initiated on 29 March 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Costa Rica to the WTO 
(23 April 2019)   
Egypt  
Initiation on 31 March  2019 of safeguard investigation 
on imports of semi -finished products of iron or 
non-alloy steel and steel rebars (bars, rods and coils) 
for construction purposes (HS 7207; 7213; 7214)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/EGY/14, 
2 April 2019  
European Union  
Termination on 19 October 2018 of anti-dumping duties 
on imports of biodiesel (fatty -acid mono -alkyl esters 
and/or paraffinic gasoils obtained from synthesis and/or 
hydro -treatment, of non -fossil origin, in pure form or 
included in a blend) (HS 1516.20.98; 1518.00.91; 
1518.00.95; 1518.00.9 9; 2710.19.43; 2710.19.46; 
2710.19.47; 2710.20.11; 2710.20.15; 2710.20.17; 
3824.90.97; 3826.00.10; 3826.00.90) from Argentina 
and Indonesia (investigation initiated on 
29 August  2012. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 28 May and 26 November 2013 , 
respectively)  Commission  Implementing 
Regulation No. 2018/1570 
(18 October 2018)   
Termination on 9 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of stainless steel wires "SSW" 
(HS 7223.00.19; 7223.00.99) from India (investigation 
initiated on 10 Augus t 2012. Provisional and definitive 
duties imposed on 8 May and 8 November 2013, 
respectively)  Commission Notice 2018/C 
402/06 (8 November 2018)   
Initiation on 6 December 2018 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of biodiesel (HS 1516.20.98; 
1518.00.91; 1518.00.95; 1518.00.99; 2710.19.43; 
2710.19.46; 2710.19.47; 2710.20.11; 2710.20.15; 
2710.20.17; 3824.99.92; 3826.00.10; 3826.00.90) 
from Indonesia  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/EU, 
16 April 2019  
Initiation on 15 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of steel road wheels 
(HS 8708.70.10; 8708.70.99; 8716.90.90) from China  Commission Notices 2019/C 
60/07 (15 February 2019) 
and 2019/C 111/13 
(25 March 2019)   
Termination on 15 February 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigati on on imports of solar glass 
(HS 7007.19.80) from Malaysia (initiated on 
23 May 2018)  Commission Implementing 
Decision No. 2019/266 
(14 February 2019)   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 100 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 21 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain woven and/or 
stitched glass fibre fabrics (HS 7019.39.00; 
7019.40.00; 7019.59.00; 7019.90.00) from China and 
Egypt  Commission Notice 2019/C 
68/09 (21 February 2019)   
Termination on 1 March 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of electrolytic manganese dioxides (i.e.  
manganese dioxides produced through an electrolytic 
process) not heat -treated after the electrolytic process 
(HS 2820.10.00) from South Africa (imposed on 
13 March 2008)  Commission Notice 2019/C 
68/08 (21 February 2019)   
Initiation on 3 May 2019 of anti-dumping investigation 
on imports of continuous filament glass fibre products 
(HS 7019.11.00; 7019.12.00; 7019.31.00) from 
Bahrain and Egypt  Commission Notice 2019/C 
151/05 (3 May 2019)   
Termination on 15 May 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of bioethanol, sometimes referred to as "fuel 
ethanol", i.e. ethyl alcohol produced from agricultural 
products, denatured or undenatured, excluding 
products with a water content of more than 0.3% 
(m/m) measured according to the EN 15376 standard, 
as well as e thyl alcohol produced from agricultural 
products, contained in blends with gasoline, with an 
ethyl alcohol content of more than 10% (v/v) 
(HS 2207.10.00; 2207.20.00; 2208.90.99; 2710.11.11; 
2710.11.15; 2710.11.21; 2710.11.25; 2710.11.31; 
2710.11.41; 2710.1 1.45; 2710.11.49; 2710.11.51; 
2710.11.59; 2710.11.70; 2710.11.90; 3814.00.10; 
3814.00.90; 3820.00.00; 3824.90.97) from the United 
States (investigation initiated on 25 November 2011 
and definitive duty imposed on 22 February 2013)  Commission Implementing 
Regulation No. 2019/765 
(14 May 2019)   
India  
Termination on 20 October 2018 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of methylene chloride (dichloromethane or 
methylene dichloride "MDC") (HS 2903.12.00) from 
Korea, Rep.  of (investigation initiated on 4 April 2013. 
Provisional and definitive duties imposed on 
21 October  2013 and 21 May 2014, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/IND, 
9 April 2019  
Termination on 23 October 2018 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of di -methyl 
formamide "DMF" (HS 2924.19) from China, Germany 
and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (initiated on 
22 January 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/IND, 
9 April 2019  
Termination on 12 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of vitamin A palmitate -II 
(HS 2936.21) from  China and Switzerland (imposed on 
28 March 2007)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/IND, 
9 April 2019  
Termination on 25 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of caustic soda (HS 2815.11) from 
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States 
(imposed o n 26 December 2000)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/IND, 
9 April 2019  
Termination on 26 December 2018 (without measure) 
of anti -dumping investigation on imports of coated 
paper (HS 4810) from China, the European Union and 
the United States (initiated on 23 January 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/IND, 
9 April 2019  
Termination on 30 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of phosphoric acid – technical grade 
and food grade (HS 2809.20) from China (imposed on 
14 September 2007)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/32 2/IND, 
9 April 2019  
Termination on 15 January 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of certain epoxy 
resins (epoxide resins) (HS 3907.30.10; 3907.30.90) 
from China; the European Union; Korea, Rep. of; 
Chinese Taipei and Thailand  (initiated on 4 April 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Termination Order Case 
No. OI-7/2018 – Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry 
(Directorate General of Trade 
Remedies) (15  January  2019)   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 101 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 5  February 2019 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of 
fluoroelastomers "FKM" (HS 3904.69.90) from China 
(initiated on 14 August 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019); Notification F. 
No. 6/21/2018 -DGTR – (Case 
No. (CVD) 7/2 018) Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry – 
Directorate General of Trade 
Remedies (14 August 2018); 
and Termination Order 
(5 February 2019)   
Initiation on 28 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of chlorinated polyvinyl 
chloride "CPVC", whether or not further processed into 
compounds (HS 3904.90.00; 3904.21.10; 3904.21.90; 
3904.22.10; 3904.22.90) from China and 
Korea,  Rep. of  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification F. No. 6/03/2019 -
DGTR – (Case No. (O.I.) 
3/2019) Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry – 
Directorate General of Trade 
Remedies (28 March 2019)   
Termination on 29 March 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of ethylene vinyl 
acetate (EVA) sheet for solar modules (HS 3901.30;  
3920.10; 3920.62; 3920.99; 3921.90) from 
Korea,  Rep. of (initiated on 4 April 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification No. 15/2019 -
Customs (ADD) – Ministry of 
Finance (Department of 
Revenue) (29 March 2019)   
Terminati on on 1 April 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of ductile iron pipes (HS 7303.00.30; 
7303.00.90) from China (imposed on 
14 September  2007)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification F. No. 7/18/2018 -
DGAD – Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry – 
Directorate General of Trade 
Remedies (1 April 2019)   
Initiation on 2 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of aluminium and zinc coated flat products 
(HS 7210.61.00; 7212.50.90; 7225.99.00; 7226.99.90; 
7210.12.90; 7210 .30.90; 7210.49.00; 7210.69.00; 
7210.70.00; 7210.90.90; 7212.10.90; 7212.20.90; 
7212.30.90; 7212.40.00; 7216.99.10; 7225.50.10; 
7225.91.00; 7225.92.00; 7226.99.30) from China; 
Korea, Rep. of and Viet Nam  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification F. No. 6/4/2019 -
DGTR – (Case No. (O.I.) 
4/2019) Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry – 
Directorate General of Trade 
Remedies (2 April 2019)   
Termination on 16 April 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of paracetamol (HS 2922.29.33) fro m China 
(imposed on 6 September 2001)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification No. 19/2019 -
Customs (ADD) – Ministry of 
Finance (Department of 
Revenue) (16 April 2019)   
Indonesia  
Termination on 27 March 2019 of safeguard duties on 
imports of flat -rolled products of iron or non -alloy steel, 
of a width of 600 mm or more, clad, plated or coated 
with aluminium -zinc alloys, containing by weight less 
than 0.6% of carbon, with a thickness not exceeding 
1.2 mm (HS 7210.61.11) (inv estigation initiated on 
19 December 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 
22 July 2014)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/10/IDN/16/Suppl.4, 
17 April 2019   
Japan  
Termination on 4 March 2019 of anti -dumping duties on 
imports of electrolytic manganese dioxide (HS  2820.10 ) 
from South Africa and Spain (imposed on 
1 September  2008)  Permanent Delegation of 
Japan to the WTO 
(15 May 2019)   
Korea, Rep. of  
Initiation on 16 October 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of uncoated paper 
(HS 4802.56; 4802.57; 4802.62; 4802.69) from Brazil, 
China and Indonesia  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/KOR, 
8 April 2019  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
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  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 27 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of glassine paper (HS  4806.40) 
from China, Italy, Japan and Chinese Taipei  Permanent Delegation of the 
Republic of Korea to the WTO 
(27 May 2019)   
Madagascar  
Initiation on 31 December 2018 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of detergent powder (HS  3402)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/MDG/3, 
9 January  2019  
Malaysia  
Termination on 15 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of electrolytic tinplate 
(HS 7210.12.20) from China and Korea, Rep. of 
(investigation initiated on 20 February 2013, provisional 
and definitive duties imposed on 20 July and 
16 November 2013, respectively)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322 /MYS, 
4 February  2019  
Mexico  
Initiation on 20 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of aluminium pressure cookers 
(HS 7615.10.01) from China  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/MEX, 
1 March  2019  
Termination on 25 January 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of polybutadiene -
styrene rubber in emulsion "SBR" (HS 4002.19.01; 
4002.19.02; 4002.19.03; 4002.19.99) from Poland 
(initiated on 10 August 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 April 2019) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal), 
25 January  2019   
Initiation on 5 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of stainless steel flat products 
(HS 7219.34.01; 7219.35.01; 7220.20.02; 9802.00.01; 
9802.00.02; 9802.00.03; 9802.00.07; 9802. 00.10; 
9802.00.13; 9802.00.19) from China and 
Chinese  Taipei  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 April 2019) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal), 5 April 2019   
Initiation on 16 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on impor ts of wind towers (HS 8502.31.01) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 April 2019) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal), 
16 April 2019  
New Zealand  
Termination on 19 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain hollow steel sections 
(HS 7306.30.19; 7306.61.00; 7306.69.00) from China 
and Malaysia (investigation initiated on 9 April 2018 and 
provisional duties imposed on 26 July 2018 on imports 
from Malaysia)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/NZL, 
11 April 2019  
Termination on 28 March 2019 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of certain hollow 
steel sections (HS 7306.30.19; 7306.61.00; 
7306.69.00) from China (initiated on 9 April 2018)  Permanent Delegation of New 
Zealand to the WT O 
(18 April 2019)   
Pakistan  
Initiation on 1 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of aluminium beverage cans 
(HS 7612.90.10; 7612.90.30) from Jordan, Sri Lanka, 
Turkey and the United Arab Emirates  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/PAK, 
15 April 2019  
Panama  
Initiation on 3 May 2019 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of pork (HS  0203)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PAN/2, 
14 May 2019  
Peru  
Termination on 1 May 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of certain steel 
bars (HS 7213; 7214; 7217; 7228) from Brazil and 
Mexico (initiated on 2 November 2017)  Permanent Delegation of Peru 
to the WTO (22 May 2019)   
Philippines  
Initiation on 20 December 2018 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of ceramic floor and wall tiles  
(HS 6907.21.23; 6907.21.24; 6907.21.93; 6907.21.94; 
6907.22.13; 6907.22.14; 6907.22.93; 6907.22.94; 
6907.23.13; 6907.23.14; 6907.23.93; 6907.23.94; 
6907.40.92)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/12, 
11 January  2019  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 103 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 19 February 2019 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of float glass (HS  7005.29.90; 
7005.21.90; 7005.10.90)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/PHL/13, 
13 March  2019  
Russian Federation (for Eurasian Economic Union)  
Initiation on 1 March 2019 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of microwave ovens (HS 8516.50.00)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/9/RUS/1, 
6 May 2019 Terminated on 
18 April 2019 
(without measure)  
Initiation on 4 March 2019 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of welded tubes of stainless steel 
(HS 7306.40.20; 7306.40.80; 7306.61.10; 7306.69.10)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/RUS/7, 
21 March  2019  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of (for Gulf Cooperation Council)  
Termination on 1 November 2018 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of seamless 
pipes and tubes of iron or steel of a kind used for oil or 
gas pipelines and drilling, of circular cross -section, of an 
external diameter not exceeding 16 inches (406.4  mm) 
(HS 7304.19.00; 7304.29.00) from China (initia ted on 
25 April 2017)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/SAU, 
23 April 2019  
Initiation on 5 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of ceramic flags and paving, 
hearth, floor, or wall tiles, whether or not on a backing; 
and finishing ceramics (ceram ic tiles) (HS 6907.30.00) 
from China, India and Spain  Permanent Delegation of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to 
the WTO (22  May 2019)   
Initiation on 14 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of super absorbent polymers 
(HS 3906.90) from Japan  and Chinese Taipei  Permanent Delegation of the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to 
the WTO (22  May 2019)   
South Africa (for SACU – Southern African Customs Union  
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa)  
Initiation on 23 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of poly(ethylene terephthalate) 
(NCM 3907.61.00) from China  Permanent Delegation of 
South Africa to the WTO 
(17 May 2019)   
Initiation on 1 March 2019 of safeguard investigation on 
imports of threaded fasteners of iron or steel 
(HS 7318.15.41; 7318.15.42; 7318.16.30)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/ZAF/7, 
4 March  2019  
Thailand  
Termination on 10 January 2019 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of painted hot dip galvanized of cold -rolled 
steel and painted hot dip plated or coated with 
aluminium zinc alloys of cold rolled steel 
(HS 7210.70.10; 7210.70.90) from China; Korea, Rep. 
of; and Chinese Taipei (investigation initiated on 8 July 
2011 and definitive duty imposed on 10 January 2013)  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO 
(25 April 2019)   
Termination on 22 February 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of flat hot -rolled 
steel, in coils and not in coils (HS 7208.10; 7208.36; 
7208.37; 7208.38; 7208.39; 7208.40; 7208.51; 
7208.52; 7208.53; 7208.54; 7208.90; 7211.13; 
7211.14; 7211.19) from Australia and Egypt (initiated 
on 29 November 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO 
(25 April 2019)   
Termina tion on 27 February 2019 of safeguard duties 
on imports of hot -rolled steel flat products with certain 
amounts of alloying elements such as boron, chromium, 
etc., in coils and not in coils, with or without patterns in 
relief, of a thickness of 0.9 -50 mm an d a width of 
100-3,048 mm (HS 7225.30.90; 7225.40.90; 
7226.91.10; 7226.91.90) (investigation initiated on 
30 November 2012, provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 27 February and 15 September 2013, 
respectively)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/THA/2/Suppl.4, 
26 February 2019   
Termination on 12 April 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of melamine 
tableware (HS 3924.10.10) from China (initiated on 
29 November 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Thailand to the WTO 
(29 May 2019)   
Turkey  
Termination on 16 October 2018 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of 
polycarboxylate polymers (HS 3824.40; 3906.90.90) 
from Korea, Rep. of (initiated on 28 November 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO 
(24 May 2019)   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 104 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 17 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of uncoloured float glass 
(HS 7005.29) from Romania (investigation initiated on 
27 November 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 
17 November 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/TUR, 
12 April 2019  
Termination on 21 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of diesel engines (HS  8408.90.41) 
from China and India (investigation initiated on 
3 August 2012 and definitive duty imposed on 
21 November 2013)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/TUR, 
12 April 2019  
Initiation on 30 December 2018 of safeguard 
investigation on imports of yarn of nylon or other 
polyamides (HS 5402.31; 5402.32.00; 5402.45; 
5402.51; 5402.61)  WTO document 
G/SG/N/6/TUR/25, 
4 January  2019   
Termination on 12 January 2019 (without measure)  of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of acrylic or 
modacrylic (HS 5501.30.00) from China; Germany; 
Korea, Rep. of and Thailand (initiated on 
21 March  2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO 
(24 May 2019)   
Termination on 12 January 2019 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of acrylic or 
modacrylic (HS 5501.30.00) from China (initiated on 
20 March 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO 
(24 May 2019)   
Termination on 7 May 2019 of safeguard duties on 
imports  of iron and steel products (HS 7208; 7209; 
7210; 7211; 7212; 7225; 7226; 7213; 7214; 7215; 
7216; 7217; 7227; 7228; 7302; 7303; 7304; 7305; 
7306; 7219; 7220) (investigation initiated on 
27 April 2018 and provisional duty imposed on 
17 October 2018)  WTO doc ument 
G/SG/N/7/TUR/13/Suppl.1, 
13 May 2019   
Ukraine  
Termination on 2 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of cement -asbestos board, corrugated 
(HS 6811.40.00) from Belarus (investigation initiated 
on 10 March 2011 and definitive duty imposed on 
5 November 2012)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/UKR, 
18 March  2019  
Termination on 4 December 2018 (without measure) of 
countervailing investigation on imports of motor cars 
(HS 8703.22.10) from Uzbekistan (initiated on 
3 October 2018)  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/3 42/UKR, 
9 April 2019  
Initiation on 20 December 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of cylindrical roller bearings 
(HS 8482.50.00) from Kazakhstan  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/UKR, 
18 March  2019  
Initiation on 7 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of iron or steel stranded wire, ropes and 
cables, not electrically insulated (HS 7312.10) from the 
Russian  Federation  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO 
(16 May 2019)   
Initiation on 20 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigat ion 
on imports of concrete blocks (HS 6810.11) from 
Belarus  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO 
(16 May 2019)   
Termination on 20 April 2019 (without measure) of 
anti-dumping investigation on imports of syringes 
(HS 9018.31.10) from China, India and  Turkey 
(initiated on 2 November 2017)  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to the WTO 
(16 May 2019)   
United States of America  
Termination on 13 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of polyethylene terephthalate "PET" 
resin (HS 3907.61.00; 3907.69.00) from Brazil; 
Indonesia; Korea, Rep. of; Pakistan and Chinese  Taipei 
(investigation initiated on 23 October 2017 and 
provisional duty imposed on 4 May 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/USA, 
19 March  2019  
Initiation on 19 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of polyester textured yarn 
(HS 5402.33.30; 5402.33.60) from China and India  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/USA, 
19 March  2019  
Initiation on 19 November 2018 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of polyester textured yarn 
(HS 5402.33.30; 5402.33.60) from China and India  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/USA,  
16 April 2019   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 105 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Initiation on 20 November 2018 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of magnesium 
(HS 8104.11.00; 8104.19.00; 8104.30.00) from Israel  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/USA,  
19 March 2019   
Initiation on 20 November 2018 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of magnesium 
(HS 8104.11.00; 8104.19.00; 8104.30.00) from Israel  WTO document 
G/SCM/N/342/USA,  
16 April 2019   
Termination on 4 December 2018 of ant i-dumping 
duties on imports of polytetrafluoroethylene "PTFE" 
resin (HS 3904.61.00; 3904.69.50) from China and 
India (investigation initiated on 26 October 2017 and 
provisional duty imposed on 7 May 2018)  WTO document 
G/ADP/N/322/USA,  
19 March 2019   
Termination on 4 February 2019 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of certain new pneumatic off -the-road tyres 
(HS 4011) from China (imposed on 4 September 2008)  ITC Investigation A -570-912  
Termination on 4 February 2019 of countervailing duties 
on import s of certain new pneumatic off -the-road tyres 
(HS 4011) from China (imposed on 4 September 2008)  ITC Investigation C -570-913  
Termination on 15 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
duties on imports of large residential washers 
(HS 8450.11.00; 8450.20.00; 8450.90.20; 8450.90.60) 
from Korea, Rep. of (investigation initiated on 
26 January 2012. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 3 August 2012 and 15 February 2013, 
respectively)  ITC Investigation A -201-842; 
A-580-868; C -580-869  
Termination on 15 February 2019 of countervailing 
duties on imports of large residential washers 
(HS 8450.11.00; 8450.20.00; 8450.90.20; 8450.90.60) 
from Korea, Rep. of (investigation initiated on 
26 January 2012. Provisional and definitive duties 
imposed on 5 June 2012 and  15 February 2013, 
respectively)  ITC Investigation A -201-842; 
A-580-868; C -580-86  
Initiation on 25 February 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of certain fabricated structural 
steel (HS 7308.90.30; 7308.90.60; 7308.90.95; 
7216.91.00; 7216.99.0 0; 7222.40.60; 7228.70.60; 
7301.10.00; 7301.20.10; 7301.20.50; 7308.40.00; 
7308.90.95; 9406.90.00) from Canada, China and 
Mexico  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -122-864, A -
201-850 and A -570-102, 
Federal Register/Vol. 84 FR 
No. 7330 (4 March 2019)   
Initiation on 25 February 2019 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of certain fabricated structural 
steel (HS 7308.90.30; 7308.90.60; 7308.90.95; 
7216.91.00; 7216.99.00; 7222.40.60; 7228.70.60; 
7301.10.00; 7301.20.10; 7301.20. 50; 7308.40.00; 
7308.90.95; 9406.90.00) from Canada, China and 
Mexico  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -122-865, C -
201-851 and C -570-103, 
Federal Register/Vol. 84 FR 
No. 7339 (4 March 2019)   
Initiation on 11 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of acetone (HS 2914.11.10; 
2914.11.50; 2902.20.00; 2902.70.00; 2905.12.00; 
2914.12.00) from Belgium; Korea, Rep. of; the 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Singapore; South Africa and 
Spain  Depart ment of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -423-814, A -
580-899, A -517-805, A -559-
808, A -791-824 and A -469-
819, Federal Register/Vol. 84 
FR No. 9755 (18 March 2019)   
Initiation on 13 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of carbon and alloy steel 
threaded rod (HS 7318.15.50; 7318.15.20; 
7318.19.00) from China, India, Chinese Taipei and 
Thailand  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -570-104, A -
533-887, A -583-865 and A -
549-840, Federal 
Register/Vol. 84 FR No. 
10034 (19 March 2019)   
Initiation on 13 March 2019 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of carbon alloy steel threaded 
rod (HS 7318.15.50; 7318.15.20; 7318.19.00) from 
China and India  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -533-888 C-
570-105, Federal 
Register/Vol. 84 FR No. 
10040 (19 March 2019)   WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 106 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Termination on 15 March 2019 of anti -dumping duties 
on imports of low -enriched uranium (HS 2844.20.00) 
from France (imposed on 13 February 2002)  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -427-818, 
Federal Register/Vol. 84 FR 
No. 9493 (15 March 2019)   
Termination on 22 March 2019 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of rubber bands (HS 
4016.99.35; 4016.99.60) from Thailand (initiated on 
27 February 2018)  Departm ent of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -570-069, C -
570-070, Federal 
Register/Vol. 84 FR No. 4774 
(19 February 2019)   
Initiation on 26 March 2019 of anti -dumping 
investigation on imports of wooden cabinets and 
vanities (HS 9403.40.90; 9403.60 .80; 9403.90.70) 
from China  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -570-106, 
Federal Register/Vol. 84, 
No. 63 FR No. 12587 
(2 April 2019)   
Initiation on 26 March 2019 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of wooden cabinets and 
vanities (HS 9403.40.90; 9403.60.80; 9403.90.70) 
from China  USITC – Investigation 
No. 701-TA-620 and 731 -TA-
1745, Docket No. 3372 
(6 March 2019) and ITC 
Investig ation C -570-107  
Initiation on 17 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of anhydrous sodium sulphate 
(HS 2833.11.50; 2833.11.10; 2833.19.00) from 
Canada  USITC – Investigation 
No. 731-TA-1446, Docket 
No. 3377 (28 March 2019) 
and ITC Investig ation A -122-
866  
Initiation on 30 April 2019 of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of ceramic tiles (HS 6907) from China  USITC – Investigation 
No. 701-TA-621 and 731 -TA-
1447, Docket No. 3378 
(10 April 2019) and ITC 
Investigation A -570-108   
Initiation on 30 April 2019 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of ceramic tiles (HS 6907) from 
China  USITC – Investigation 
No. 701-TA-621 and 731 -TA-
1447, Docket No. 3378 
(10 April 2019) and ITC 
Investigation C -570-109   
Initiation on 13 May 2019  of anti -dumping investigation 
on imports of dried tart cherries (HS 0813.40.30; 
0813.40.90; 0813.50.00; 2006.00.20; 2006.00.50; 
2008.60.00) from Turkey  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration A -489-835, 
Federal Register/Vol. 84, 
No. 97 FR No. 22809 
(20 May 2019)   
Initiation on 13 May 2019 of countervailing 
investigation on imports of dried tart cherries 
(HS 0813.40.30; 0813.40.90; 0813.50.00; 2006.00.20; 
2006.00.50; 2008.60.00) from Turkey  Department of Commerce, 
International Trade 
Administration C -489-836, 
Federal Register/Vol. 84, 
No. 97 FR No. 22813 
(20 May 2019)   
 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 107 - 
 
  ANNEX 3  - OTHER TRADE -RELATED MEASURES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2018  to MID -MAY 201 9) 
Confirmed information2 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Algeria  
Amendments introduced in the list of imported products 
subject to temporary surcharges ( droit additionnel 
provisoire de sauvegarde ) (1,095 tariff lines at 10 -digit 
levels in Chapters HS 02; 04; 07; 08; 11; 12; 16; 17; 
18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 25; 33; 34; 39; 44; 48; 57; 6 3; 
68; 69; 70; 73; 76; 84; 85; 94; 96)  Arrêté du 19 Joumada El 
Oula 1440, Journal Officiel 
No. 6 (26 January 2019)  Effective 
26 January  2019 
Argentina  
Extension of the temporary export ban on iron and steel 
ferrous waste and scrap (NCM 7204; 7404; 7602)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Decreto 
No. 970/2018 – 
Nomenclatura Común del 
Mercosur (30 October 2018)  Effective 
31 October  2018, for 
360 days 
Reduction of export duties ( derechos de exportación ) 
for works of art, collecto rs' pieces and antiques 
(NCM  9701)  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Decreto 
No. 94/2019 (DCTO -2019-
94-APN-PTE-Posición 
arancelaria) 
(30 January  2019)  Effective 
1 February  2019 
Temporary increase of the statistical fee ( tasa de 
estadística ) (from 0.5% to 2.5%) for all imports up to a 
specific threshold  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Decreto 
No. 332/2019 (DECTO -
2019-322-APN-PTE) – tasa 
estadística (3 May 2019)  Effective 7 May 2019 
to 31 December  2019 
Amendments introduced in the export duties legislation 
(derechos de exportación ), resulting in exemptions for 
MSMEs under certain conditions  Permanent Delegation of 
Argentina to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Decreto 
Nos. 280/2019 -Derechos 
de exportaci ón 
(17 April 2019) and 
335/2019 – Desgravación 
del derecho de exportación 
(6 May 2019)  Effective 8 May 2019 
to 31 December 2020  
Brazil  
Temporary increase of import tariffs on certain rubber 
apparel (NCM 4015.19.00), and on certain x -ray 
machines (NCM 9022.19.99)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Camex 
Resolution Nos. 98/2018 
(7 December 2018) and 
106/2018 
(27 December  2018)  Effective 
10 December  2018 
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 4%) on other 
aromatic hydrocarbon m ixtures , of which 65% or more 
by volume (including losses) , distilled at 250°C by the 
ISO 3405 method (equivalent to the ASTM D 86 
method) (NCM  2707.50.10); (from zero to 8%) on 
certain pharmaceutical products ( ácido retinoico ) 
(NCM  3003.90.17; 3004.50.60) ; (from 2% to 12%) on 
cetyl alcohol (NCM 2905.17.20); (from 2% to 14%) on 
industrial fatty alcohols (NCM 3823.70.10; 
3823.70.40); and (from 2% to 18%) on safety airbags 
with inflater system, and parts thereof 
(NCM  8708.95.21)  Permanent Delegation of 
Brazil  to the WTO 
(22 May 2019) and Camex 
Resolution No. 58/2018 
(31 August 2018)  Effective 
1 January  2019  
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no ju dgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether 
or not such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, nothing in the Annex implies any 
judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the provisions of any 
WTO agreement.  
2 This Section includes information which has either been provided by the Member concerned or has 
been confirmed at the request of the Secretariat.  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 108 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
China  
Elimination of VAT rebate rates on oil -cake and other 
solid residues, whether or not  ground or in the form of 
pellets, resulting from the extraction of soyabean oil 
(HS 2304)  Permanent Delegation of 
China to the WTO 
(22 May 2019)  Effective 
1 November  2018 
Release of the 2019 catalogue of goods subject to 
import licensing (in HS Chapters 29; 38; 84; 85; 89; 
90) Permanent delegation of 
China to the WTO, MOFCOM 
and China Customs Joint 
Announcement (2018) 107 
on Publishing the Catalogue 
of Goods Subject to Import 
Licensing Requirements for 
2019. Viewed at: 
http://images.mofcom.gov.c
n/wms/2018 12/2018123117
0911182.pdf  Effective 1 January 
2019 
Release of the 2019 catalogue of goods subject to 
export licensing (in HS Chapters 01; 02; 10; 11; 12; 
13; 14; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 38; 44; 71; 72; 80; 81; 
87)  Permanent delegation of 
China to the WTO, MOF COM 
and China Customs Joint 
Announcement (2018) 108 
on Publishing the Catalogue 
of Goods Subject to Export 
Licensing Requirements for 
2019. Viewed at: 
http://images.mofcom.gov.c
n/wms/201812/2018123117
0446474.pdf  Effective 1 January 
2019 
Colombia  
Two tariff lines eliminated from the list of products 
subject to temporary elimination of import tariffs on raw 
materials and capital goods not produced locally, 
resulting in an increase of import tariffs on certain 
winding wire (to 10%) (HS 8544.49.10.10;  
8544.49.10.90)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(30 April 2019) and Decreto 
No. 228/2019 – Ministerio 
de Comercio, Industria y 
Turismo (19 February 2019)  Effective 
6 March  2019 
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from 10% to 
18.5%) on iron o r non -alloy steel bars and rods, 
hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils (HS  7213.10.00); 
and on other bars and rods of iron or non -alloy steel, 
not further worked than forged, hot -rolled, hot -drawn 
or hot -extruded, but including those twisted after rolling  
(HS 7214.20.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
Colombia to the WTO 
(30 April 2019)  Effective 
13 March  2019 to 
13 March 2021  
Egypt  
Further extension of the temporary export taxes 
(EGP 20,000/tonne) on certain copper and articles 
thereof (effective 24 December 2018 to 24 December 
2019); (EGP 6,000/tonne) on lead and articles thereof 
(effective 24 December 2018 to 24 December 2019); 
(EGP 1,300/tonne) on ferrous waste and scrap; 
remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel (effective 
24 December 2018 to 24 December 2019); (EGP 
7,000/tonne) on aluminium waste and scrap (effective 
24 December 2018 to 24 December 2019); (EGP 
2,600/tonne) on slag, ash and residues (other than 
from the manufacture of  iron or steel) containing 
metals, arsenic or their compounds; unwrought zinc 
(effective 24 December 2018 to 24 December 2019); 
(EGP 3,600/tonne) on certain paper (effective 
24 December 2018 to 24 December 2019); (EGP 
7,000/tonne) on scrap and waste of cot ton fabrics and 
mixed cotton (effective 25 December 2018 to 
24 December 2019); (EGP 300/tonne) on corn silage 
(effective 6 January 2019 to 31 December 2019); 
(EGP 600/tonne) on cereal straw and husks, 
unprepared whether or not chopped (except rice straw) 
(effective 6 January 2019 to 31 December 2019); (EGP 
700/tonne) on lucern (alfalfa) (effective 6 January 2019 
to 31 December 2019); (EGP 1,200/tonne) on crushed 
talc (effective 10 February 2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 500/tonne) on talc powder (effective  Permanent Delegation of 
Egypt to the WTO 
(22 May 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 109 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
10 February  2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 300/tonne) on ultra -soft talc powder(effective 
10 February 2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 150/tonne) on quartz ore (effective 
10 February  2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 300/tonne) on feldspar ore (effective 
10 February  2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 200/tonne) on crushed or powdered feldspar ore 
(effective 10 February 2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 400/tonne) on marble and granite blocks crude or 
roughly trimmed (effective 10 February 2019 to 
10 February 2020 ); (EGP 100/tonne) on sand (effective 
10 February 2019 to 10 February 2020); 
(EGP 250/unit) on crust leather of cow or buffalo skin 
(effective 2 May 2019 to 2 May 2020); (EGP 150/unit) 
on crust leather of calf skin (effective 2 May 2019 to 
2 May 2020); (EG P 15/unit) on crust leather of sheep 
skin (effective 2 May 2019 to 2 May 2020); 
(EGP 7.5/unit) on crust leather of goat skin (effective 
2 May 2019 to 2 May 2020); and (EGP 150/unit) on 
crust leather of camel skin (effective 2 May 2019 to 
2 May 2020) (HS 74 01; 7402; 7403; 7404; 7419.91; 
7407; 7801; 7802.00; 7804.19; 7806; 7204.10; 
7204.21; 7204.29; 7204.30; 7204.41; 7204.49; 
7204.50; 7602.00.; 2620.11; 2620.19; 7901; 7902.00; 
7903; 6310; 1213; 1214; 2308; 2526; 2506; 2529; 
2515.11; 2516.11; 2505; 4104; 4105;  4106)  
European Union  
Reintroduction of the Common Customs Tariff duties 
(EUR 175/tonne) on imports of Indica rice (HS 1006) 
from Cambodia and Myanmar (base d on EU procedures 
for the temporary withdrawal of tariff preferences under 
the GSP Regulations)  Commission  Implementing 
Regulation No. 2019/67 
(16 January 2019)  Effective 
17 January  2019, for 
3 years. Tariff duties 
set at EUR 150/tonne 
for the second year  
and EUR 125/tonne 
for the third year  
The Gambia  
Increase of the excise import tax on certain products, 
e.g. (from 20% to 25%) on new cars; (from 
GMD 175 to GMD 280) on spirits; (from GMD 100 to 
GMD 175) on beer; and (from GMD 150 to GMD 240) 
on wine (HS  8703.10.00; 2208.20.10; 2203.00.10)  Permanent Delegation of 
The Gambia (22 May 2019)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
India  
Amendments introduced to the export policy of gold, 
resulting in an export authorization on gold idols (only 
gods and goddess) of 8 carat s and above (up to 
24 carats), subject to certain conditions  Notification No. 44/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry – Department 
of Commerce 
(30 November  2018)  Effective 
30 November  2018 
Amendments introduced to the import policy of gold 
(HS 71 08.12.00), resulting in an import restriction on 
gold dore Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification No.  45/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry – Department 
of Commerce 
(30 November  2018)  Effective 
30 November  2018 
In January 2019, extension of the temporary import 
ban on pulses (e.g. peas) (HS 0713) (originally 
implemented on 1 April 2018 and extended until 
30 September 2018)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and Trade 
Notice No. 01/2019 -20 
Ministry of Commerce and 
Industry (Department of 
Commerce) (1 April 2019)  Effective until 
31 March  2020 
Addition of Krishnapatnam port to the list of 10  existing 
ports through which imports of sawn timber are 
permitted  Notification No. 47/2015 -
2020, Ministry  of Commerce 
and Industry – Department 
of Commerce 
(31 December  2018)  Effective 
1 January  2019 WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 110 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Addition of Krishnapatnam port to the list of 10 existing 
ports through which exports of sawn timber are 
permitted  Notification No. 47/2015 -
2020, Ministry of C ommerce 
and Industry – Department 
of Commerce 
(31 December  2018)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Amendments introduced to the export policy of 
fertilizers (HS 3102; 3103; 3104; 3105), resulting in an 
export liberalization. Certain fertilizers under the 
"restricted" category moved to the "free" category, 
subject to certain conditions: (i) prior permission (no 
objection certificate) by the Department of Fertilizers; 
and (ii) production of a declaration certificate to 
customs at the time of export  Notificat ion No. 49/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry – Department 
of Commerce 
(7 January  2019)  Effective 
7 January  2019 
Increase of import tariffs (from zero to 5%) on lithium 
ion cells for use in the manufacture of lithium ion 
accumulators; and (from 10% to 20%) on lithium ion 
cells for use in the manufacture of power banks of 
lithium ion (HS 8507.60.00)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification No. 2/2019 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance – Department of 
Revenue (29 January 20 19) Effective 
30 January  2019 
Temporary increase on import tariffs (to 200%) on all 
imports from Pakistan (all HS Chapters)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification No.  5/2019 -
Customs Ministry of Finance 
– Department of Reve nue 
(16 February  2019)  Effective 
16 February  2019 
Extension of the temporary import prohibition of milk 
and milk products (including chocolates and chocolate 
products and candies/confectionary/ food preparations 
with milk or milk solids as ingredients) f rom China 
(originally implemented on 22 June 2018 until 
23 December 2018). The extension is in force until the 
capacity of all laboratories at ports of entry are suitably 
upgraded for testing melamine  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019)  and 
Notification No. 1/2015 -
2020, Ministry of Commerce 
and Industry – Department 
of Commerce 
(23 April 2019)  Extended on 
23 April 2019 
Increase of import tariffs (from 30% to 40%) on wheat 
(HS 1001)  Permanent Delegation of 
India to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Notification No.  13/2019 -
Customs, Ministry of 
Finance (26 April 2019)  Effective 
26 April 2019 
Indonesia  
New requirement for exports of coffee (HS 0901; 2101) 
introducing stricter export licensing requirements  Permanent Delegation of 
Indonesia to th e WTO 
(24 May 2019) and 
Regulation No. 109/2018 – 
Ministry of Trade 
(January2019)  Effective 
12 January  2019 
Mexico  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (to 15%) on iron 
and steel and articles of iron or steel (186 tariff lines at 
8-digit level in HS Chapters 72 and 73)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 May 2019) and Diario 
Oficial de la Federación 
(Official Journal), 
25 March  2019 Effective 
26 March  2019, for 
180 days 
Increase of import tariffs (from 20% to 25% -30%) on 
certain footwear (6  tariff lines at 8 -digit level in 
Chapter  64) and (from 20% to 25%) on 2 apparel and 
clothing accessories tariff lines (HS 6111.20.04; 
6209.20.04)  Permanent Delegation of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 April 2019)  Effective 6 May 2019  
Temporary increase of import tariffs (from 20% to 
25%-30%) on certain footwear (28 tariff lines at 8 -digit 
level in Chapter 64), and (from 20% to 25%) on certain 
articles of apparel and clothing accessories (64  tariff 
lines at 8 -digit level in Chapters 61; 62; 63)  Permanent Delegation  of 
Mexico to the WTO 
(24 April 2019)  Effective 6 May 2019, 
for 180 days  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 111 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
New Zealand  
Further amendments introduced in the Climate Change 
(Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Levies) Regulation, 
resulting in the incorporation of additional goods and 
also the increase on certain levy rates (HS  Chapters  39; 
84; 87; 88; 89)  New Zealand - Climate 
Change (Emissions Trading 
Scheme) Amendment 
Regulations 2018  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Philippines  
Withdrawal of tariff concessions on rice and certain 
agricultural  products relating to the special treatment 
for rice (WTO Waiver) (HS 1006.10; 1006.20; 1006.30; 
1006.40; 0207.14; 0207.25; 0207.27; 0403.90; 
0405.10; 0406.20; 1602.31; 2004.10; 2306.41; 
2306.49; 0206.41; 0209.10; 0209.90; 0713.10; 
0802.31; 0802.32; 0806.1 0; 1208.90; 1514.11; 
1514.19; 1514.99)  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO 
(1 June 2019)  Effective 
5 March  2019 
On 2 April 2019, the Republic Act 11203 took effect, 
and officially replaced the quantitative restrictions on 
rice (HS 1006) with tariffs. Subsequently, the law's 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) were 
signed by the Secretaries of the Department of 
Agriculture (DA), the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM), and were uploaded by 
the NEDA to the Official Gazette website on 
8 April 2019. The IRRs took effect on 23 April 2019  Permanent Delegation of the 
Philippines to the WTO 
(1 June 2019)   
Switzerland  
Imposition of a fee ( émolument ) (CHF 7/100 kg) on 
imports o f sugar (HS 1701.99.99)  Permanent Delegation of 
Switzerland to the WTO 
(20 May 2019)  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Chinese Taipei  
Special safeguard measure (volume -based) on imports 
of garlic (HS 0703.20.10; 0703.20.90; 0712.90.40)  WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/16 8, 
4 January 2019  Effective 
14 December 2018 to 
31 December 2018  
Special safeguard (volume -based) measure on imports 
of dried shiitake (HS 0712.39.20)  WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/169, 
18 January 2019  Effective 
21 December 2018 to 
31 December 2018  
Special safeguard (volume -based) measure on imports 
of red beans (HS 0710.29.10; 0713.32.00; 1106.10.10; 
2004.90.10; 2005.51.10; 2005.59.10; 2006.00.11; 
2006.00.25)  WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/172, 
24 January 2019  Effective 
21 December 2018 to 
31 December 2018  
Special safeguard (volume -based) measure on imports 
of other chicken cuts (HS 0207.11.00; 0207.12.00; 
0207.13.19; 0207.14.19; 0210.99.19; 1602.32.20)  WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/176, 
26 February 2019  Effective 
21 December 2018 to 
31 December 2018  
Special saf eguard (volume -based) measure on imports 
of peanuts (HS 1202.30.10; 1202.30.20; 1202.41.00; 
1202.42.00; 1208.90.11; 1208.90.21; 1508.10.00; 
1508.90.00; 2008.11.11; 2008.11.12; 2008.11.91; 
2008.11.92; 2008.19.42)  WTO document 
G/AG/N/TPKM/171, 
23 January 201 9 Effective 
25 December 2018 to 
31 December 2018  
Turkey  
Increase of import tariffs on certain products (by 15%) 
on producer gas or water gas generators; (to 7%) on 
aluminium cylinder heads; (by 5% -10%) on centrifugal 
pumps; (by 20%) on table, floor, wall, window, ceiling 
or roof fans, with a self -contained electric motor of an 
output not exceeding 125 W; (by 20%) on portable 
sprayers; (by 10% -20%) on machines for cleaning, 
sorting or grading seed, grain or dried leguminous 
vegetables, other machinery and its parts; (by 11%) on 
machines which can carry out different types of 
machining operations without tool changes between 
such operations: with the automatic transfer of the 
workpiece between each operation, sawing machines 
(circular saws and others) an d drilling or morticing 
machines; (by 20%) on automatic beverage -vending 
machines; incorporating heating or refrigerating 
devices; (by 20%) on mine detectors; (by 13%) on 
ozone therapy, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, 
artificial respiration or other thera peutic respiration 
apparatus (nebulizers); (by 25%) on alarm clocks and Permanent Delegation of 
Turkey to the WTO 
(24 May 2019)  Effective: see 
individual dates in 
measure  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 112 - 
 
  Measure  Source/Date  Status  
electrically operated wall clocks; (by 30%) on snorkels; 
(by 10%) on tubes, pipes and hoses, and fittings 
therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of 
plastic; baths, shower -baths, wash -basins, bidets, 
lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and 
similar sanitary ware of plastic; builders' wares of 
plastic; other uncoated paper and paperboard, in rolls 
or sheets; worked monumental or building stone 
(except slate) and ar ticles thereof; articles of cement, 
of concrete or of artificial stone, whether or not 
reinforced; glass fibres (including glass wool) and 
articles thereof (for example, yarn, woven fabrics); 
structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading 
9406) a nd parts of structures; cloth (including endless 
bands), grill, netting and fencing, of iron or steel wire; 
expanded metal of iron or steel; chain and parts 
thereof, of iron or steel; stoves, ranges, grates, cookers 
(including those with subsidiary boilers  for central 
heating), barbecues, braziers, gas -rings, plate warmers 
and similar non -electric domestic appliances, and parts 
thereof, of iron or steel; monitors and projectors, not 
incorporating television reception apparatus; reception 
apparatus for telev isions, whether or not incorporating 
radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or 
reproducing apparatus; electrical apparatus for 
switching or protecting electrical circuits, or for making 
connections to or in electrical circuits; (by 15%) on 
insulated (including enamelled or anodized) wire, cable 
(including co -axial cable) and other insulated electric 
conductors, whether or not cable and other fitted with 
connectors; optical fibre cables, made up of 
individually -sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled 
with electric conductors or fitted with connectors; (by 
18%) on imitation jewellery of base metal, whether or 
not plated with precious metal; (by 15% -25%-30%) on 
tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; 
dolls' carriages; dolls; o ther toys; reduced -size "scale" 
models and similar recreational models, working or not; 
and puzzles of all kinds (effective December 2018); 
(from zero to 5%) on dates (effective 1 January 2019); 
and (by 5% -8%) on certain cotton yarns and synthetic 
yarns (e ffective 16 January 2019) (HS Chapters  08; 39; 
48; 52; 54; 55; 68; 70; 71; 73; 84; 85; 90; 91; 95)  
Ukraine  
Further extension of the temporary increase of e xport 
duties on waste and scrap of ferrous metals 
(HS 7204.10.00; 7204.30.00; 7204.41.10; 7204.41.91; 
7204.41.99; 7204.49.10; 7204.49.30; 7204.49.90; 
7204.50.00) (originally implemented on 
15 September  2016, for one year)  Permanent Delegation of 
Ukraine to  the WTO 
(16 May 2019)  Effective 5 April 2019  
United States of America  
Extension and increase from 10% to 25% of ad valorem  
additional duty (originally implemented on 
24 September 2018) on products of China (5,733 tariff 
lines at 8 -digit level in HS Chapters 02; 03; 04; 05; 07; 
08; 10; 11; 12; 14; 15; 16; 17; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 
24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 
38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48;  50; 51; 
52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 60; 65; 67; 68; 69; 
70; 71; 72; 73; 74; 75; 76; 78; 79; 80; 81; 82; 83; 
84; 85; 86; 87; 88; 89; 90; 91; 94; 96)  Office of the United States 
Trade Representative – 
Notice of Modification of 
Section 301 Action: China 's 
Acts, Policies, and Practices 
Related to Technology 
Transfer, Intellectual 
Property, and Innovation. 
Federal Register / Vol. 84 
No. 90 (20459) 
(9 May 2019). Viewed at: 
https://ustr.gov/sites/defaul
t/files/enforcement/301Inve
stigations/84_FR_20459.pdf 
and 
https://www.govinfo.gov/co
ntent/pkg/FR -2018-09-
21/pdf/2018 -20610.pdf  Effective 10 May 2019  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 113 - 
 
  Recorded, but not -confirmed information3 
Measure  Source/Date  Status  
Angola  
Temporary export ban on metal scraps  Press reports referring to 
Despatch No. 13/19 Ministry 
of Industry  Effective 
1 January  2019 
Sri Lanka  
Import ban on chicken meat from genetically -modified 
species  Press reports 
(October  2018)   
Tunisia  
Imposition of non -automatic import licensing 
requirements on certain products  Press reports referring to 
Ministry of Trade 
Communication 
(November  2018)   
Imposition of quantitative restrictions on imports of 
certain products  Press reports referring to 
Ministry of Trade 
Communication 
(November  2018)   
 
 
                                                
3 This Section includes information which has been obtained from public sources but has n ot yet been 
confirmed by the delegation concerned.     
  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 114 - ANNEX 4 – MEASURES A FFECTI NG TRADE IN SERVICES1 
(MID-OCTOBER 2018 to MID -MAY 2019)  
Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
MEASURES AFFECTING VARIOUS SECTORS  
Argentina  
The government established a new regime for 
'door-to-door' deliveries  through the postal 
system of products purchased online from abroad. 
A maximum of 12 orders per year of 50 dollars or 
less will be exempt from customs duties. 
Previously, only yearly purchases below 25 dollars 
were exempted.  Modes 1 -3 Postal and distributi on 
services  Decree No. 221/2019  
General Resolution No. 4447/2019  
Viewed at:  
https://www.llyasoc.com/es/novedades/comer
cio-exterior -regimen -de-envios -postales -sin-
finalidad -comercial  Effective 1 April 2019  YES 
Belgium  
Flemish legislation on safeguarding the strategic 
interests of the Flemish Community and Flemish 
Region ("Bestuursdecreet") of 7 December 2018: 
If a legal act by a government body results in 
foreign natural or legal persons gaining power of 
control or deci sion-making power in that 
government body, and if the strategic interests of 
the Flemish Community or the Flemish Region are 
threatened as a result, viz. if the continuity of vital 
processes is jeopardised, if certain strategic or 
sensitive knowledge is in  danger of falling into 
foreign hands or if the strategic independence of 
the Flemish Community or the Flemish Region is 
compromised, the Government of Flanders may 
annul this legal act or declare it inapplicable. The 
Government of Flanders may only apply this 
measure if it can demonstrate that it has 
attempted to achieve the safeguarding of strategic  
interests with the consent of the government body 
concerned.  Mode 3  All sectors  Official Publication ("Belgisch Staatsblad")  
number: 2018032457  
page: 100723  
Viewed at:  
http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/chang
e_lg.pl?language=nl&la=N&cn=2018120705&t
able_name=wet  Approved by Flemish 
Parliament on 5 
December 2018  YES 
                                                
1 The inclusion of any measure in this Annex implies no judgement by the WTO Secretariat on whether or not  such measure, or its intent, is protectionist in nature. Moreover, 
nothing in the Annex implies any judgement, either direct or indirect, on the consistency of any measure referred to with the  provisions of any WTO agreement.    
  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 115 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Brazil  
Brazil adopted a new legal framework for the use 
of private data. The law aims to protect personal 
data, whether obtained by electronic or physical 
means, or by the public or private sector. The law 
applies to any data processing operation occurring 
in Bra zil, regardless of the location of the entity 
conducting the operation or holding the data.  
The law provides that the collection, use or 
processing of personal data can be conditioned 
on first obtaining the explicit consent of the data 
subject. Data subje cts have the right to access, 
rectify, cancel or exclude their data.  
Under the law, companies must ensure that 
personal data receives adequate protection when 
transferred abroad. Data transfers are allowed 
under a number of circumstances, including when 
transfers are made to countries offering adequate 
protection, when the regulator specifically 
approves the transfer, or after the data subject 
has consented. Further details are to be further 
specified by the regulator. The law also establishes 
a national da ta protection authority, an 
independent federal agency that will be 
responsible for regulation of data protection, 
including monitoring and enforcement.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  General Law on the Protection of Private Data 
(Federal Law 13709/2018)  
Viewed at:  
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/gdpr -
inspired -data-protection -heads -to-35738/  Law published on 15 
August 2018.  
Provision M easure no. 
869/2018 published on 
28 December 2018. 
Effective from August 
2020.  YES 
Burkina Faso  
The government adopted a new law on 
investment, which aims to improve conditions for 
domestic and foreign investors. Among other 
things, the new law seeks to promote investment 
in strategic sectors, including green and renewable 
energies and handicrafts, by relaxing the criteria 
relating to the investment threshold and the 
number of jobs created.  Mode 3  All sectors  Investment Code  
Viewed at:  
https://www.assembl eenationale.bf/spip.php?
article855  Adopted on  
30 October 2018   
China  
On 15 March 2019, China adopted its new Foreign 
Investment Law, aiming to provide a better 
business environment for foreign investments. The 
law will replace the three existing laws on  
Chinese -foreign equity joint ventures, wholly 
foreign -owned enterprises and Chinese -foreign 
contractual joint ventures.  Mode 3  All sectors  Order of the President of the PRC No. 26: 
Foreign Investment Law  Effective 1 January 
2020 YES   
  WT/TPR/OV/W/13  
 
- 116 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
The new law aims to further encourage foreign 
investment in China and to strengthen the 
protection of the legal rights and interests o f 
foreign investors and foreign invested -enterprises. 
Pre-establishment national treatment shall be 
applied to foreign investments under a negative 
list, with the objective of promoting a level playing 
field that is stable, transparent and predictable, 
and ensuring that foreign -invested enterprises 
participate in market competition on an equal 
basis.  
Côte d'Ivoire  
The government adopted a new Investment Code, 
which provides various fiscal incentives to foreign 
investors, including in relation to the use of local 
content. Certain benefits are only available to 
companies that open at least 15% of their capital 
to nati onals. The new measure also provides for 
the creation of a specific agency to promote 
investment and act as principal link between 
investors and the government.  Mode 3  All sectors  Decrees of 18 December 2018 pursuant to 
Ordinance No. 2018 -646 of 1 August 2018 on 
the Investment Code.  
 
Viewed at:  
https://afrimag.net/nouveau -code-des-
investissements -en-cote-divoire -focus-sur-les-
principa les-innovations/  Adopted 18 December 
2018  
Egypt  
New measures have been adopted in relation to 
the management of enterprises in Egypt. A first 
measure removes the requirement that limited 
liability companies in Egypt appoint at least one 
manager of Egyptian nationality. A second 
measure requires non -resident companies with a 
representative office in Egypt to decide, three 
years from the date the office was registered, to 
establish either a company or a branch. The new 
requirement does not apply to re presentative 
offices of banks.  Modes 3 and 
4 All sectors  Decree No. 256 amending Article 281 of the 
executive resolution of the Companies' Law 
No. 159  
Decree No 60 of Egypt's General Authority for 
Investment and Free Zones  
Viewed at:  
https://www.gafi.gov.eg/english/MediaCenter/
News/Pages/default.aspx   Issued 23 December 
2018 
Issued on 31 January 
2019 YES   
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by 
Member  
European Union  
The European Union adopted a framework for the 
screening of foreign direct investments into the 
EU.  
The new regulation does not require EU member 
states to implement an FDI screening mechanism. 
However, existing or future mechanisms at the 
member state le vel are required to meet certain 
basic screening requirements, such as judicial 
review of decisions, non -discrimination between 
different third countries, and transparency. The 
regulation sets out a non -exhaustive list of factors 
that may be taken into acc ount to determine 
whether foreign investments pose a risk to 
security or public order, including the impact on 
critical infrastructure, critical technologies, the 
supply of critical inputs, access to, and ability to 
control, sensitive information, and free dom and 
pluralism of the media.  
The regulation also establishes a cooperation 
mechanism whereby Member States and the 
Commission will be able to exchange information 
and raise concerns related to specific investments. 
The Commission will also be allowed to  issue 
opinions when an investment poses a threat to the 
security or public order of more than one Member 
State, or when an investment could undermine a 
project or programme of interest to the whole EU.  Mode 3  All sectors  Regulation 2019/452 of 19 March 20 19 
Viewed at:  
http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.c
fm?id=2008  Effective 10 April 2019  YES 
France  
On 29 November 2018, the government amended 
its foreign investment regime by extending the 
requirement of a prior authorisation to 
investments in activities related to  new strategic 
sectors. These include: space operations; R&D 
activities in cybersecurity; artificial intelligence; 
robotics, additive manufacturing and 
semiconduct ors; data storage in connection with 
public security; IT systems participating in 
guaranteeing the security of operators of vital 
importance.  Mode 3  Various sectors  Decree No. 2018 -1057 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=f65e10a4 -5298-41db-8ffc-38980c0253c1  Effective 1 January 
2019 YES   
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by 
Member  
Germany  
The government amended the foreign investment 
regime. It lowered, from 25% to 10% of voting 
rights, the threshold for screening acquisitions by 
non-EU/EFTA investors in certain sectors: specific 
operators of critical infrastructure; developers of 
software in relation to the operation of cri tical 
infrastructure in specific sectors; companies 
monitoring telecommunications; providers of 
cloud computing services; providers of telematics 
in the health sector; media companies critical for 
the formation of public opinion.  Mode 3  Various sectors  Amendment to the Foreign Trade Regulation  
Viewed at:  
https://investmentpolicyhubold.unctad.org/IP
M/MeasureDetails?id=3337&rgn=&grp=&t=&s
=&pg=5&c=&dt=&df=&isSearch=false  19 December 2018  YES 
Hungary  
The government adopted a new law providing for 
the national security review of foreign investment 
by non -EU/EFTA investors in sensitive activities.  
'Sensitive activities' include defence, dual use 
products, cryptography and wire -tapping 
products, financia l services, energy, government 
registries and the electronic communications 
sector.  The screening will apply to: acquisition of 
over 25% of ownership (10% for public company 
limited by shares) in a Hungarian entity; 
establishment of a branch in Hungary; ob tention 
of the right to operate or use infrastructure or 
other assets essential for national security.  Mode 3  All sectors  Act LVII of 2018 on the screening of foreign 
investments harming Hungary's security 
interests; Implementing Government Decree 
No. 246/ 2018 
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=0d91687c -0809-46c0-86c2-1142e878e84a  Effective 1 January 
2019  
India  
India allowed foreign companies in the  
defence, telecom, information and broadcasting, 
and private security sectors to open branch offices, 
liaison offices, project offices or any other place of 
business in India, provided an approval has been 
obtained fr om the regulator and the ministry 
concerned. Approval of the Reserve Bank of India 
is no longer required.  Mode 3  Selected sectors  Foreign Exchange Management (Amendment) 
Regulations, 2019  
Viewed at:  
https://investmentpolicyhubold.unctad.org/IP
M/MeasureDetails?id=3359&rgn=&grp=&t=&s
=&pg=3&c=&dt=&df=&isSearch=false  21 January 2019  YES 
India announced new conditions in relation to its 
FDI policy on e -commerce. The new measure 
provides that e -commerce marketplaces cannot 
sell on their platform the products of companies in 
which they have equity interests or in which they 
control the inven tory. E -commerce marketplaces 
are information technology platforms that connect 
buyers and sellers. In addition, e -commerce 
marketplace entities cannot mandate any seller to 
sell any product exclusively on its platform.  Mode 3  E-commerce  Department of Ind ustrial Policy and Promotion, 
Press Note 2, 2018  
Viewed at:  
http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID
=1562493   Effective  
1 February 2019  YES   
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Member  
Indonesia  
The government decided to revoke a regulation on 
e-commerce taxes that was intended to be 
enforced from 1 April 2019. Finance Ministerial 
Regulation (PMK) No.  210/2018, which was signed 
on Dec. 31, required online marketplace operators 
to report details of each seller's turnover, 
mandated online sellers to register for a tax payer 
number, and set out taxes to be paid by online 
sellers.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Revocation of Finance Ministerial Regulation 
(PMK) No. 210/2018  
Viewed at:  
https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/20
19/04/01/welcoming -the-revocation -of-e-
commerce -tax-regulation.html  29 March 2019  YES 
Korea, Rep. of  
The government now requires certain offshore IT 
providers to designate a domestic representative 
in Korea in order to comply with personal data 
protection rules.  Modes 1 -2 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Amendments to the Act on the Promotion o f IT 
Network Use and Information Protection  
Viewed at:  
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/privacy -and-
data-security/south -korea-privacy -law-
changes -may-help-eu-data-transfer -talks Effective 19 March 
2019 YES 
Nigeria  
The Nigeria Information Technology Department 
Agency (NITDA) issued the Data Protection 
Regulation.  
The new regulation extends to all organisations 
processing the personal data of natural persons in 
Nigeria and natural persons of Nigerian descent 
residing in foreign countries.  
For the processing of data to be considered lawful, 
at least one of the follo wing must apply: the data 
subject has provided consent; processing is for the 
performance of a contract, is required for 
compliance with a legal obligation, is required for 
the  
protection of the vital interest of a data subject or 
another natural person, or it is  necessary for the 
performance of a task carried out in the public 
interest.  
The regulation provides for transfer of data 
abroad, but gives the Attorney General the power 
to determine which third countries provide 
adequate data protection laws. If  the Attorney 
General has not issued decisions on adequacy, 
data may only be transferred to another country 
under certain conditions, including if the data 
subject has consented.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Data Protection Regulat ion 
Viewed at:  
http://www.mondaq.com/Nigeria/x/781658/D
ata+Protection+Privacy/The+ NITDA+Data+Pr
otection+Regulation+A+Watershed+In+The+
Protection+Of+Personal+Data+In+Nigeria  Effective  
25 January 2019     
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classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Panama  
The government adopted a new law on personal 
data protection. For the processing of personal 
data to be lawful, the prior, informed, and 
unequivocal consent of the data subject must be 
obtained. The law also establishes other data 
subject rights, including the right to access 
personal data that is stored or subject to 
processing; the right to request the rectification or 
cance llation of personal data that is incorrect, 
irrelevant, incomplete, outdated, inaccurate, false, 
or impertinent; the right to refuse to provide 
personal data or have it subject to certain 
treatment, as well as to revoke consent; and the 
right to data porta bility.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law No. 81 on Personal Data Protection  
Viewed at:  
https://www.panacamara.com/ley -81-de-
2019/   29 March 2019   
Philippines  
The government relaxed limitations on foreign 
investment in selected sectors. Changes to the 
'negative list', which set out sectors where foreign 
investors face restrictions, are as follows:  
- permit up to 100% foreign ownership of: Internet 
businesses; teaching at higher  education levels 
(provided the subject being taught is not a 
professional); training centres for short term high -
level skills development that do not form part of 
the formal education system; adjustment 
companies, lending and financing c ompanies; 
investment houses; and wellness centers;  
- increasing from 25% to 40% the limit on foreign 
equity in contracts for the construction and repair 
of certain locally -funded public works;  
- increasing from 20% to 40% the foreign 
ownership limit in pri vate radio communications 
networks.  Mode 3  All sectors  Executive Order no. 65 – Revision of Foreign 
Investment Negative List of the Foreign 
Investment Act if 1991  
Viewed at:  
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2018/10/2
9/executive -order -no-65-s-2018/   Effective  
16 November 2018  YES 
Qatar  
A new law allows wholly -owned foreign 
investments in most economic sectors. It 
abolishes the previous requirement to have a local 
partner holding at least 51% of the shares in any 
limited liability company or acting as sponsor.  
The sectors excluded from this new legal 
framework for foreign investment are: banking, 
insurance, commercial agency activities, security Mode 3  Various sectors  Law No. 1 of 2019 regulating the investment 
of non -Qatari capital in economic activity  
Viewed at:  https://www.gulf -
times.com/story/618609/Law -regulating -
investment -of-non-Qatari -capital-to Effective 7 January 
2019    
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and defence, and other sectors as decided by the 
Council of Ministers.  
The new law also increases to 49% the maximum 
foreign ownership in listed companies on Qatar 
Exchange, subject to approval by the Ministry of 
Commerce and Industry. Executive regulations to 
detail application are to be issued at a later stage.  
Russian Federation  
A new Federal Law envisages a  number 
of measures aimed to  ensure the  safe and  stable 
operation of  the Internet on  the territory 
of the Russian Federation.  
The law, in  particular, defines  the necessary rules 
for routing telecommunication messages 
and provides for  the monitoring of  compliance 
with them.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Law on ensuring safe and stable operation of 
the Internet in Russia  
Viewed at:  
http://en.kremlin.ru/acts/news/60430  Signed on 1 May 2019  
 
To come in force on  
1 November 2019  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Council of Ministers decided to allow foreign 
investment in four new sectors: road transport; 
real estate brokerage; audiovisual services; 
recruitment and related services. Previously, these 
sectors were on the Saudi Arabian General 
Investment Authority's (SAGIA) 'negative list', 
where foreign investment was prohibited.  Mode 3  Selected sectors  Viewed at:  
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/546329  Effective  
23 October 2018  YES 
Thailand  
On 28 February 2019, the National Legislative 
Assembly approved the Personal Data Protection 
Act and the Cybersecurity Act.  
The new data protection law establishes 
requirements for both data controllers and 
processors, regardless of their locations, as lo ng 
as they collect, use, or disclose personal data of 
individuals in Thailand.  
Data controllers must inform the data subject of 
the purpose for the collection of personal data, and 
obtain the data subject's consent. Cross -border 
data transfer is only allow ed to countries that 
provide sufficient personal data protection, in 
compliance with the guideline prescribed by the 
Personal Data Protection Committee, except in 
certain cases such as for the  performance of 
actions prescribed by law or when consent has 
been obtained from the data subject. The Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Personal Data Protection Act  
Cybersecurity Act  
Viewed at:  
http://www.mdes.go.th/view/10/home   
https://silklegal.com/thailands -personal -data-
protection -act-approved -as-law/ Adopted 28 February 
2019. To be effective 
after publication in the 
Royal gazette.  YES   
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Member  
Cybersecurity Act aims to ensure that computer 
systems and networks from the country's Critical 
Information Infrastructure (CII) are safe from 
cyber incidents and can operate efficiently. The 
law will force a CII oper ation to comply with 
international standards. Under the law, the 
National Cyber Security Agency will be 
established. This Agency will support the CII to set 
up standards and fight cyber -attacks.  
Thailand's Board of Investment took a series of 
measures aimed at promoting investment in the 
country (see 'source').  Mode 3  All sectors  Announcement of the Board of Investment No. 
10/ B.E. 2561 (2018): Special Measure to 
Accelerate Investments in Thailand 
Investment Year;  
Announcement of the Board of Investment No. 
Sor 6/B.E. 2561 (2018): Promotion of 
International Business Center;  
Announcement of the Board of Investment No. 
Ngor 1/B.E. 2561 (2018): Cancellation of 
investment promotion for activity 7.5 and 
activity 7.6;  
Announcement of the Office of the Board of 
Investment No. Por. 12/B.E. 2561 (2018): 
Qualifications, Criteria, and Conditions for 
Smart Visa;  
Announcement of the Board of Investment No. 
Sor. 8/B.E. 2561 (2018): Amendment of the 
list of activities eligible for  investment 
promotion under the Announcement of the 
Board of Investment No. 2/ B.E. 2557 (2014).  
 
Viewed at:  
https://www.boi.go.th/index.php?page=press_
releases  December 2018 – 
February 2019 YES 
United Arab Emirates  
A new FDI Law allows up to 100% foreign 
ownership in certain sectors. Under the previous 
law, foreign ownership in 'onshore' UAE companies 
was limited to 49%, unless decided otherwise by 
Cabinet.  
The new law establishes a negative list setting out 
the sectors where foreign investment is not 
allowed, and a positive list of sectors where it is 
allowed. Sectors on the negative list include 
insurance and banking; water and electricity; air 
and land tra nsport services; post, audiovisual and Mode 3  Various sectors  Federal Decree -Law no. 19 of 2018 on Foreign 
Direct Investment ("FDI Law")  Effective  
30 October 2018   
  
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Member  
telecommunication services; and retail trade of 
medical products, including pharmacies.  
The FDI Law does not yet detail the sectors in the 
positive list. Sectors to be listed will indicate the 
percentage of foreign o wnership allowed (between 
49% and 100%) and whether restrictions on the 
type of legal entity, minimum capital 
requirements, or requirements of the employment 
of nationals are imposed.  
Uganda  
The new Data Protection and Privacy Act aims to 
protect individual privacy and personal data by 
regulating the collection and processing of 
personal data, as well as imposing obligations on 
data controllers and processors. The Act 
introduces principles on lawful and adequate 
processing, accuracy of data records, the consent 
of data subjects, and establishes a personal data 
protection office under the National Information 
Technology Authority of Uganda. Moreover, the 
Act provides that unlawfully obtaining, disclosing 
or selling personal data is subject to penalties 
whereby corporations may be fined up to 2% of 
their annual gross turnover.  Modes 1 -3 Internet and other 
network -enabled 
services  Data Protection and Privacy Act  
Viewed at:  
https://ulii.org/ug/legislation/act/2019/1  Effective 1 March 2019   
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/ICT/AUDIOVISUAL SERVICES  
Afghanistan  
The President approved regulations for the 
creation of the Afghanistan High Council of 
Telecommunications and Information Technology 
(AHCTIT ), which will guide national 
telecommunications projects. The council is tasked 
with promoting the sustainable development of 
ICT applicati ons at the national level.  Modes 1 -3  Telecommunication 
services  Presidential Decree No. 460   
Viewed at:  
https://mcit.gov.af/node/7405  Published 17 April 
2019  
Australia  
A new law was adopted to create a modern 
framework for Australian law enforcement and 
national security agencies to work with the 
communications industry to overcome 
technological obstacles to the use of data in the 
investigation of serious crimes. The law  applies to 
designated communications providers  (DCP), 
which includes Australian and foreign companies 
operating in the communications supply chain with 
at least one Australian end -user. The framework 
includes powers to request or compel assistance Modes 1 -3  Telecommunication 
services  Telecommunications and Other Legislation 
Amendment (Assistance and Access) Act 2018 . 
Viewed  at: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Det
ails/C2018A00148   Adopted  
6 December 2018  YES   
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Member  
that is  within a DCP's existing capability. DCPs may 
also be compelled to build a new capability if 
assistance required is beyond their existing 
capability. Use of the powers cannot require 
providers to implement a systemic weakness or 
vulnerability, build a decr yption capability or 
prevent providers from patching vulnerabilities. 
When using the powers, the decision -maker must 
be satisfied that the assistance sought is 
"reasonable and proportionate" and whether 
compliance is "practicable and technically 
feasible."  The law does not create standing 
obligations on DCPs.  
Ethiopia (Observer)  
The Council of Ministers has issued a proclamation 
calling for the establishment of an independent 
federal government body to oversee the 
communications  sector. Powers and duties to be 
assigned to the new body include: the issuing, 
modification and renewal of licences; the 
regulation of interconnection between providers; 
the supervision of radio spectrum and the 
authorisation of frequencies for commercial  use; 
the regulation of tariffs; and the regulation of the 
types of telecoms equipment that can be used.  Mode 1 -3 Telecommunication 
services  Proclamation for the regulation of 
communication service  
Viewed at:  
http://addisstandard.com/exclusive -ethiopia -
to-establish -new-authority -to-regulate -
telecommunication -service -see-copy-of-the-
new-proclamation/   4 February 2019   
European Union  
The European Electronic Communications Code 
recasts four Directives into one single Directive 
(2018/1972). The main provisions are on access, 
radio spectrum and end -users. On access, the 
Code maintains the designation of significant 
market power (SMP) as the basis for imposing ex -
ante regulation, puts emphasis on access to civil 
infrastructure and provides incentives for SMP 
operators which employ a wholesale -only model or 
engage in co -investments with rival operators. The  
Code ensures the availability of pioneer 5G radio 
spectrum by the end of 2020 in the EU and 
provides operators with predictability for at least 
20 years in terms of spectrum licensing. The Code 
also harmonises end -user protection, for example 
for bundled services and for switching of providers 
and updates the universal service and emergency 
communications rules.  Modes 1 -3 Communication 
services  Directive (EU) 2018/1972 establishing the 
European Electronic Communications Code  
Viewed at: 
https://www.europeansources.info/record/dire
ctive-eu-2018-1972-establishing -the-
european -electronic -communications -code/   17 December 2018  YES   
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by 
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Fiji 
The Parliament adopted the Online Safety Act 
2018. The objectives of the new law are to 
promote responsible online behavior and online 
safety, and to encourage a safe online culture and 
environment that addresses cyberbullying, cyber 
stalking, Internet trolling and exposure to 
offensive or harmful content particularly in respect 
of children. Under the new measure, someone who 
"posts an electronic communication where posting 
the electronic communication causes harm to the 
individual" could be liable to a fine of $9,400 and 
up to five years in prison.  Modes 1 -3 Communication 
services  Online Safe ty Act 2018  
Viewed at:  
http://www.fiji.gov.fj/getattachment/2b2f6f07
-1016-48b5-9922-dc489cba1dd8/Act -8---
Online -Safety -Act.aspx   Effective  1 January 
2019  
Japan  
Japan's Diet approved an amendment to the 
Telecommunications Business Act to facilitate fair 
competition in the mobile communication sector . 
The amendment prohibits mobile operators from 
offering discount for retail communication charges 
at the time of sale of mobile handsets. It also 
prohibits conditions which unduly constrain 
subscribers from ca ncelling contracts.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Amendment to the Telecommunications 
Business Law  
Viewed at:  
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/03/
05/business/bill -lower -mobile -phone -fees-
japan -moves -forward/#.XML_z -Q7Z9A   10 May 2019  YES 
Kenya  
The government introduced an excise duty tax of 
15% on voice, SMS and Internet data services. 
Previously, a 10% tax on telephone services was 
imposed.  
The new measure also introduced a 20% excise 
duty rate on money transfer services by banks and 
other fee s charged by financial institutions. 
Further, the excise duty on money transfer 
services by mobile phone providers was increased 
from 10% to 12%.  Modes 1 -3 Telecommunication 
and financial services  Finance Bill 2018  
Viewed at:  
http://www.itwebafrica.com/ict -and-
governance/256 -kenya/244877 -kenya -uhuru -
slaps-tax-on-internet -and-money -transfer -
charges   Effective  
18 October 2018   
Korea, Rep. of  
The government amended the 
telecommunications law in order to  relax and 
simplify the regulatory framework. Among other 
things, it moves from a licensing regime to a 
registration system.  Modes 1 -3 Telecommunication 
services  Amendments to the Telecommunications 
Business Act.  
Viewed at:  
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=0c776f48 -6c3f-4067-a998-2cf62329c8f5  Effective 25 June 2019  YES 
Morocco  
A law was enacted that amends and supplements 
the Post and Telecommunications Act. It gives 
more power to the National Agency of 
Telecommunications Regulation (ANRT) and will Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services Law No. 121 -12 amending Post and 
Telecommunications Act No. 24 -96. Published on  
18 February 2019     
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allow the ANRT to impose penalties on operators 
of up to 2% of their turnover bef ore tax in cases 
of infringement. The bill also addresses consumer 
protection, infrastructure sharing, and the 
integration of optical fibre infrastructure in 
buildings. It provides for the creation of a 
national roaming system.  Viewed  at: http://www.leseco.ma/maroc/7477
2-telecoms -les-details -de-la-nouvelle -loi.html  
Niger  
The Council of Ministers adopted three decrees of 
the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and the 
Digital Economy. The first decree outlines the 
guidelines, priorities and funding for universal 
access. The second concerns the establishment 
and control of tariffs, including the terms and 
conditions operators may use to set rates for 
services provided to the public. The third decree 
contains general conditions for interconnection 
and access, including local loop unbu ndling.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Viewed at:  
https://www.presidence.ne/conseils -des-
ministres/2018/10/19/com munique -du-
conseil -des-ministres -du-vendredi -19-octobre -
2018 Adopted October 2018   
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Communications and Information Technology 
Commission decided to remove restrictions 
relating to the single host provider and to 
introduce modifications and enhancements to the 
current system for issuing mobile virtual network 
operator licences.  Mode 3  Telecommunication 
services  Decision No. 1440/399 of the Communications 
and Information Technology Commission 
approving the ' Rules and Conditio ns for MVNO 
Services and IoT -VNO Services Provision'  February 2019  YES 
Turkey  
The government introduced a tax on online 
advertizing services. A 15% tax is applied to 
payments made to providers of online advertising 
services, or intermediaries of such services.  Modes 1 -2 Online advertising 
services  Presidential Decree No. 476  Gazett ed on 19 
December 2018. 
Effective 1 January 
2019.  YES 
United States  
The FCC voted to adopt new rules related to the 
spectrum above 95 GHz that encourage the 
development of new technologies. To enable 
innovators and entrepreneurs to most readily 
access this spectrum, the FCC's Spectrum 
Horizons First Report and Order creates a new 
category of experimental licenses for use of 
frequencies between 95 GHz and 3 THz. These 
licenses will give innovators the flexibility to 
conduct experiments lasting up to 10 y ears, and 
to more easily market equipment during the 
experimental period.  Modes 1 -3 Telecommunication 
services  FCC, Spectrum Horizons First Report and 
Order  
Viewed at:  
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc -opens -
spectrum -horizons -new-services -technologies   Adopted 15 March 
2019  
  
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The President signed an executive order 
prohibiting the purchase or use of information and 
communication technologies or services that pose 
a national security risk.  
The order declares a national emergency with 
respect to threats against information and 
communications technology and services in the 
United States and delegates authority to the 
Secretary of Commerce to  
prohibit transactions posing an unacceptable risk 
to the national security of the United States or the 
security and safety of United States persons.  Multiple 
modes  Information and 
communication 
services  Executive Order on Securing the Information 
and Communications Technology and Services 
Supply Chain  
Viewed at: 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential -
actions/executive -order -securing -information -
communicat ions-technology -services -supply -
chain/  15 May 2019  YES 
FINANCIAL SERVICES  
Albania  
New measures were adopted to strengthen 
supervision relating to the prevention of money 
laundering and terrorist financing, including the 
obligation for reporting entities  to carry out risk 
self-assessment and data filing on an annual basis 
to authorities.  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Decision No. 214 of 31 October 2018 "On 
some amendments to Regulation no. 58 of 
2015 ("On enhanced due diligence measures 
by legal subjects on the prevention of money 
laundering and terrorist financing").  
Guidebook "On Identifying Money Laundering 
and Terrorist Financing Risks".  31 October 2018  YES 
China  
The China Securities Regulatory Commission 
(CSRC) released the Administrative Measures for 
Foreign -invested Futures Companies, which aim at 
encouraging established foreign financial 
institutions to invest in domestic futures 
companies. Eligible foreign investors may submit 
applications to the CSRC for holding no more than 
51% equity  of domestic futures companies, with 
the equity cap to be entirely removed in three 
years.  Mode 3  Securities trading  Administrative Measures for Foreign -invested 
Futures Companies  
Viewed at:  
http://www.csrc.gov.cn/pub/csrc_en/newsfact
s/release/201809/t201 80906_343764.html  Effective August 2018  YES 
Egypt  
The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Egypt 
issued a new set of prudential regulations, 
including on the protection of the rights of bank 
customers.  Mode 3  Financial services  Circulars of the Central Bank of Egypt, dated 
19 and 26 February 2019 . 
Viewed  at: https://www.cbe.org.eg/en/Bankin
gSupervision/Pages/Circulars.aspx  February 2019  YES   
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Georgia  
Georgia adopted  a series of new measures in 
relation to financial services:  
- Amendments to the Order 'On the Approval of 
the rule for registration,  
cancellation of registration and regulation of the 
activities of the Loan Issuing Entity in the National 
Bank of Georgia;  
- Amendments to the Order on the 'Procedures and 
Terms for Registration of Microfinance 
Organizations in the National Bank of Georgia;  
- Amendments to the Order on 'Rules for 
Registration and Regulation of Currency Exchange 
Bureaus.;  
- Rules for regulati ng the specialized depository of 
accumulated pension  
scheme.  Mode 3  Financial services  Viewed at:  
https://www.nbg.gov.ge/index.php?m=2&lng
=eng  October 2018 – 
January 2019   
Hong Kong, China  
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has, by early 
May 2019, granted eight virtual banking licences 
under which virtual banks can deliver retail 
banking services through the Internet or other 
forms of electronic channels instead of physical 
branches. These new ly licensed virtual banks 
intend to launch their services in around 6 to 9 
months.  Mode 3  Banking services  Press release issued by the Hong Kong 
Monetary Authority  
Viewed at:  
https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/key -
information/press -releases/2019/20 190509 -
3.shtm   9 May 2019  YES 
Kuwait  
The government issued a decree allowing foreign 
investors to own up to 5% of a Kuwaiti bank's 
capital. Foreign ownership beyond this level would 
require the approval of the Central Bank.  Mode 3  Banking services  Decree No. 694/2018  
Viewed at:  
https://www.thenational.ae/business/banking/
kuwait -lifts-restrictions -on-foreign -ownership -
of-local-lenders -1.803010  Effective  
15 December 2018   
Myanmar  
On 29 January 2019, the Central Bank of Myanmar 
issued a notice confirming that foreign banks and 
foreign financial institutions may hold up to 35% 
of equity investment in local private banks.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Viewed at:  
http://www.shlegal.com/news/cbm -letter -
confirms -foreign -banks -may-hold-35-equity -
in-myanmar -banks  
https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Myanmar -
lets-foreign -banks-buy-into-local-peers  Effective  
29 January 2019     
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Branches of foreign banks are allowed to  provide 
commercial services, such as financing and other 
banking services, to local businesses. The new 
measure comes after the Central Bank of Myanmar 
allowed foreign banks to provide export financing. 
Before the recent announcement, foreign banks 
were l imited to lending only to foreign entities in 
foreign currencies.  Mode 3  Banking services  Viewed at:  
http://www.thaibizmyanmar.com/en/news/det
ail.php?ID=1689  Effective November 
2018  
In January, the Ministry of Planning and Finance 
(MOPF) issued Announcement 1/2019 allowing the 
establishment of foreign insurance companies. 
Prior to that, foreign insurers were restricted to 
establishing a representative office in Myanmar 
and had been l argely barred from conducting any 
insurance businesses within the country, with 
limited exceptions in a special economic zone.  
With the new measure, up to three licences will be 
granted to foreign life insurers as 100% wholly -
owned subsidiaries. In addition, foreign life and 
non-life insurers having a representative office in 
Myanmar (as of 31 December 2018) may form a 
joint ventu re with a local insurer, with maximum 
foreign equity of 35%.  Mode 3  Insurance  Ministry of Planning and Finance 
announcement No . 1/2019  
Viewed at:  
https://www.mayerbrown.com/ -
/media/files/perspectives -
events/publications/2019/02/190218 -
myanmar -corpsec.pdf  
http://learn.asialawnetwork.com/2019/02/06/
myanmar -legal-alert-rfp-eois-foreign -
insurance -issued -frd/ Effective January 2019   
Norway  
In accordance with the EEA Agreement, Norway 
has implemented the following EU directives:  
- Bank recovery and resolution directive (1 
January 2019)  
- Deposit Guarantee Scheme directive (1 January 
2019)  
- Payment Services Directive  (PSD2) (1 April 
2019)  
- 4th Anti Money Laundering Di rective (15 October 
2018)  
- Markets in financial instruments directive (MiFID 
II) and Markets in financial instruments regulation 
(MiFIR) (1 January 2019).  Multiple 
modes  Financial services  Directive 2014/59/EU establishing a 
framework for the recovery and resolution of 
credit institutions and investment firms; 
Directive 2014/49/EU on deposit guarantee 
schemes ;  
Directive (EU) 2015/2366 on payment services 
in the internal market;  
Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of 
the use of the financial system for the 
purposes of money laundering or terrorist 
financing;  
Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial 
instruments;  
Regulation (EU) No  600/2014 on markets in 
financial instruments  
Viewed at:  
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/fin/id216/  October 2018 – April 
2019 YES   
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- 130 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Philippines  
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas  (Central Bank of 
the Philippines) adopted a series of new measures 
affecting banking and other financial services. 
These relate, for example, to liberalized foreign 
exchange rules on inward and outward 
investments, hedging instruments for foreign 
exchange , regulatory relief to institutions affected 
by calamities, qualification requirements for 
marketing personnel in unit investment trust funds 
(UITF), standards in Other Fiduciary Accounts 
(TOFA) and Investment Management Accounts 
(IMA), mark to market of f inancial instruments, 
reporting requirements for supervised entities, 
combating terrorism financing, computation of 
required capital for domestic and foreign banks, 
implementing BASEL III and reporting 
requirements with respect to cyber -security 
incidents and technology risks.  Mode 3  Banking and other 
financial services  Circulars Nos. 1014, 1015, 1017 -1025, 1027, 
1029-35, 1037  
Viewed at:  
http://www.bsp.gov.ph/  September 2018 – 
March 2019  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) 
promulgated new rules allowing the establishment 
of foreign insurance and reinsurance companies as 
branches. The new rules clarify application of the 
Cooperative Insurance Control Law and its 
implementing regulat ions to foreign branches. 
Foreign insurance entities can now operate in the 
kingdom through branches or in the form of a 
locally incorporated public joint -stock company.  Mode 3  Insurance and 
reinsurance  Viewed at:  
http://www.sama.gov.sa/en -
US/Laws/Pages/InsuranceRulesAndRegulation.
aspx Effective December 
2018 YES   
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority Board of 
Commissioners (CMABC) adopted a series of new 
measures in relation to financial services:  
- a resolution regarding the procedures and 
requirements relating to the issuer whose 
securities are listed on the Exchange when 
applying for court for commencing a financial 
restructuring procedure in accordance with the 
Bankruptcy Law.  
- rules for Registering the Auditors of Entities 
Subject to the Authority's Supervision;  
- amendments to the Investment Account 
Instructions;  
- amendments to the Real Estate Investment 
Traded Funds Instructions;  
- the Closed -Ended Investment Traded Funds 
Instructions.  Mode 3  Financial Services  Viewed at:  
https://cma.org.sa/en/Market/News/pages/CM
A_N_2554.aspx   
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/Rules -Registering -Auditors -
of-Entities -EN.pdf  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/InvestmentAccountsInstruc
tionsEN.pdf  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/REITF%20Instructions%20
en.pdf  
https://cma.org.sa/en/RulesRegulations/Regul
ations/Documents/Closed -Ended -Traded -
Investment -Funds -Instructions -English.pdf  Effective October 2018 
– April 2019  YES 
Chinese Taipei  
Foreign futures brokerage merchants (FCM)  may 
directly provide trade, clearing and settlement 
services of futures to domestic FCMs, and are no 
longer required to establish a branch or subsidiary 
in Chinese Taipei.  Mode 1  Financial services  Article 38.1.4 of the Regulations Governing 
Futures Commission Merchants  Effective 1  July 2019  YES 
Ukraine  
A new measure was adopted to liberalize the 
currency regulation system,  simplify the currency 
control system, and gradually eliminate existing 
currency restrictions.  Multiple 
modes  Banking and other 
financial services  Law No. 2473 -VIII of 21 June 2018 Effective  
7 February 2019  YES   
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
EDUCATION SERVICES  
Viet Nam  
On 1 February 2019, the Vietnamese Government 
introduced regulations specifying conditions on the 
establishment of foreign -invested vocational 
training institutions in Vietnam. The new measure 
follows up on a 2014 law had allowed foreign 
investment in the sector.  
Conditions include minimum establishment size, 
minimum capital requirements, and training 
curriculum. To set up a branch or new campus of 
a foreign -invested secondary vocational school 
and college, the investor would be required to 
provide a detail ed development plan explaining 
the need for such an establishment.  Mode 3  Education  Decree No.15/2019/ND -CP 
Viewed at:  
http://vietnamlawmagazine.vn/new -decree -
specifies -foreign -investment -in-vocational -
education -16673.html  Effective 20 March 
2019  
BUSINESS SERVICES  
China  
The Regulations on Administration of  Foreign -
invested Construction and Engineering Design 
Enterprises and related implementing rules have 
been annulled. Applications from foreign -invested 
enterprises for engineering design qualifications 
shall be accepted and examined in accordance 
with the principle of equal treatment for domestic 
and foreign -invested enterprises.  Mode 3  Construction designing 
services; Engineering 
services  Information provided by the government  
Viewed at:  
http://www.mohurd.gov.cn/fgjs/jsbgz/201811
/t20181122_238493.html  
http://www.mohurd.gov.cn/wjfb/201812/t201
81221_238955.html  Effective   
31 October 2018  YES 
Ghana  
As part of regulations requiring local content and 
participation, companies in the mining sector are 
required, as of 1 January 2019, to procure security 
services from companies located in Ghana and 
fully owned by nationals.  Mode 3  Security services  Viewed  at: 
https://allafrica.com/stories/201812060268.ht
ml  Effective 1 January 
2019  
ENERGY -RELATED SERVICES  
Singapore  
Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) 
opened up  more segments of the retail electricity 
market for competition from both foreign and 
domestic retailers, thereby providing consumers 
with a wider choice of a price plans.  Mode 3  Electricity services  Implementation of the Open Electricity Market 
(OEM)  
Viewed at:  
https://www.ema.gov.sg/Electricity_Market_Li
beralisation.aspx  Effective  
1 November 2018     
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES  
China  
The National Health Commission (NHC) released a 
circular on standards and security of Big Data in 
the healthcare industry, which requires that such 
data be stored in China. Where such data must be 
transferred abroad for business reasons, a security 
assessment must be carried out in accordance with 
the relevant laws and regulations.  Modes 1 -3 Health -related services  Circular regarding Issuing National Health 
Medical Big Data Standards, Safety and 
Service Management Measures (For Trial 
Implementation)  
Viewed at:  
http://www.cms -
lawnow.com/ealerts/2018/09/china -monthly -
tmt-update -september -2018?cc_lang=en  Effective  
13 September 2018  YES 
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
The government adopted new measures enabling 
100% foreign ownership, operation and 
management of private healthcare institutions 
(PHI), with the exception of clinics. PHIs cover 
general and specialised health centres, radiology, 
medical laboratories, outpa tient surgical facilities 
and supporting medial services facilities. Prior to 
this amendment, foreign ownership of PHIs was 
limited to hospitals with a m inimum number of 
beds, and depending on the area served.  Mode 3  Health -related services  Royal Decree amending the Private Healthcare 
Institutions Law   
Viewed at:  
http://www.elexica.com/en/legal -
topics/corporate -governance -and-
compliance/280119 -foreign -investment -
relaxation -in-the-saudi-healthcare -sector  Effective  
2 November 2018  YES 
United Arab Emirates  
A new law regulates the use of information 
technology and communications (ITC) in the 
healthcare sector. It notably prohibits the storage 
of health data outside of the UAE, as well as the 
creation of health data outside of the UAE which 
relates to health s ervices provided inside the UAE. 
The Law foresees certain exceptions to data 
localization requirements, but further information 
is to be set out in subsequent ministerial 
resolutions or in implementing regulations.  Modes 1 and 
3 Health -related services  Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on Information and 
Communication Technology in the H ealth Field  
Viewed at:  
https://www.dha.gov.ae/en/HealthRegulation/
Pages/FederalLaws.aspx  14 May 2019     
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- 134 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
RECREATIONAL SERVICES  
Australia  
Commonwealth, state and territory governments 
have formally agreed to a National Consumer 
Protection Framework for online wagering in 
Australia, comprising of 10 consumer protection 
measures which aim to reduce the harm of online 
wagering to consumers. This includes:  
- a prohibition on onl ine wagering service 
providers providing lines of credit;  
- a prohibition of links between online wagering 
service providers payday lenders;  
- a restriction on online wagering service 
providers offering specified inducements;  
- other consumer protection me asures such as a 
National Self -Exclusion Register and pre 
commitment (limit setting).  Modes 1 -3 Gambling services  National Consumer Protection Framework for 
Online Wagering in Australia – National Policy 
Statement (comprising various legislation at 
the Com monwealth and state and territory 
levels).  Commonwealth, state 
and territory 
governments will 
implement the suite of 
measures within the 
National Framework 
progressively over 18 
months, beginning 
from 26 November 
2018.  
Some measures 
(prohibition of lines of 
credit, discouraging 
links to payday lenders 
and a 14 -day 
customer verification 
timeframe) are 
already effective.  YES 
Myanmar  
The government adopted a new law allowing 
casinos to operate for foreigners in selected hotels. 
Previously, casinos were not permitted under 
Myanmar law. Nationals will not be able to gamble 
under the new rules.  Mode 3  Gambling services  2018 Gambling Law  
Viewed at:  
https://www.casino.org/news/after -years -of-
isolation -myanmar -will-legalize -casinos -next-
month -in-bid-reinvent-itself-as-tourist -hotspot  Effective May 2019   
Switzerland  
A new measure permits licensed casinos 
established in the country to offer online gaming 
services. Unlicensed operators, including foreign -
based suppliers, will be blocked by Internet access 
providers.  
The Act also establishes licensing requirements, 
including that owners have 'good reputation' and 
have not actively targeted the Swiss market from 
abroad in the five previous years. Unlicensed sites 
will be blocked as of 1 July 2019.  Modes 1 -3 Gambling services  Federal Gambling Act  
Viewed at:  
https://www.mme.ch/en/magazine/magazine -
detail/url_magazine/swiss_voters_approve_ne
w_money_gaming_act/  Effective 1 January 
2019 YES   
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
TRANSPORT SERVICES  
Argentina  
Argentina simplified the regime for obtaining the 
coastal traffic waivers which allow foreign vessels 
to carry out commercial activities in the Argentine 
sea in the event that  no Argentine vessels are 
available to perform such activities.  
 
The new issuance regime consists of the following 
elements:  
- applicants must submit their applications forms 
by means of the Federal Revenue Agency on -line 
portal;  
- all requests shall be published (for a 48 -hour 
term) on the public website "argentina.gob.ar". A 
notice will be sent to interested parties from the e -
mail account of the enforcement agency; - if within 
48 hours there are no reasonable oppositions from 
local ship owners having Argentine vessels in 
conditions of rendering the same service, a waiver 
will be issued within the term of five days;  
- waivers will be valid for a 6 -month term. A 15 -
day extension may be granted should there be 
valid reasons to do so ; 
- waivers may be unlimitedly reissued upon 
expiration.  Modes 1 and 
3 Maritime transport  Resolution No. 870/2018 of the Federal 
Ministry of Transportation   
Viewed at:  
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/normativa/nacio
nal/resoluci%C3%B3n -870-2018-
314849/texto  Effective 2 October 
2018 YES 
Brazil  
The President signed a temporary decree lifting 
the 20% limit on foreign investment in Brazilian 
airlines and allowing full foreign capital 
participation.  Mode 3  Air transport services  Temporary Decree  
Viewed at:  
https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil -
airlines/brazil -allows -100-pct-foreign -
investment -in-domestic -airlines -decree -
idUSS0N1XG00Y  13 December 2018  YES 
China  
Foreign investors can now invest in and operate 
international shipping transportation, international 
shipping agency, international shipping 
management, international shipping cargo 
handling, international shipping cargo 
warehousing, international shipping  container 
station and yard business in accordance with 
relevant laws, administrative regulations and 
other relevant regulations.  Mode 3  Maritime transport 
services  Regulations on International Maritime 
Transportation (Amended for the third time 
according  to the State Council Order No. 709 
of 2 March 2019 by the Decision of the State 
Council on Amending Certain Administrative 
Regulations).  Effective 2 March 2019  YES   
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supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
Ethiopia (Observer)  
Ethiopia's Investment Board decided to permit 
foreign investment up to 49% in the logistics 
industry through joint ventures. Prior to the 
decision, the sector was exclusively reserved to 
nationals.  Mode 3  Logistics services  Decision of the Investment Boar d, lifting 
restrictions imposed under Article 3.1(b) of 
Investment Regulation No. 270/2012.  
Viewed at:  
http://addisstandard.com/breaking -ethiopian -
investment -board -lifts-restrictions -on-
logistics -industry -reserved -exclusively -for-
ethiopians -opens -sector -for-joint-venture/  4 September 2018   
SERVICES SUPPLIED THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF NATURAL PERSONS  
Canada  
Canada announced that the Global Talent Stream 
will become a permanent program. The program 
provides for a streamlined Labour Market Impact 
Assessment and expedited work permit processing 
for highly -skilled foreign workers in STEM -related 
professions (science, technology, engineering, 
math). It had originally been introduced in 2017 
as a two -year pilot as part of the Global Skills 
Strategy.  Mode 4  Various sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.immigration.ca/canada -to-make -
global -talent -stream -permanent  Effective April 2019  YES 
France  
New application requirements under the EU Intra -
Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit require that 
foreign  nationals be employed by their home 
employer for at least six months prior to the 
transfer to France, up from three months 
previously, and that they remain outside the 
European Union for at least six months before they 
can fill a new EU ICT application in  France.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://bluemarblepayroll.com/new -
immigration -law-france -eases -visa-
requirements/  Effective April 2019  YES 
Guatemala  
The "Business Visa" category has been eliminated, 
and business travellers can now enter Guatemala 
only to perform consulting and advisory activities 
under the category of "Tourist or Traveller". Their 
permitted duration of stay has been reduced to 90 
days,  with the possibility of extension for an 
additional 90 days, down from the current 180 
days with the possibility of a 180 -day extension. 
The validity of temporary residence permits has 
been extended to five years, up from the previous 
two years.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.fragomen.com/insights/alerts/im
migration -reforms -forthcoming  Effective 19 April 2019     
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by 
Member  
India  
The government decided to increase the permitted 
duration of stay under the electronic Business Visa 
to 180 days, up from the previous 60 days. 
Multiple visits will be allowed in a calendar year 
(up from 3 times per calendar year). In addition, 
foreign nat ionals holding an employment visa will 
now be able to extend it for up to ten years, up 
from the previous five.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/ea
sier-e-visa-for-business -trip-to-india-year-
long-validity -longer -stay-and-more-all-about -
new-norms/1499169/  February 2019   
Japan  
The Immigration Services Agency has introduced 
the following two new status of residence for 
acceptance of work -ready foreigners who possess 
certain expertise and skills in fields where labour 
shortages exist in Japan:  
 
- Status of residence of Specified Skilled Worker 
(i) – Based on the Basic Policy, this status of 
residence is applicable to foreigners who have 
successfully completed "Technical Intern Training 
(ii)" or who pass a qualifying test in 14 fields, 
many of whi ch are service fields. The period of stay 
will be initially one year, six or four months and  
can be renewed for a maximum of five years in 
total. 
- Status of residence of Specified Skilled Worker 
(ii) – This status of residence is applicable to 
foreigners  who pass a higher -level qualifying test 
in two fields at the moment, including construction 
services. The period of stay will be initially three 
years, one year or six months and can be renewed 
without limitation.  Mode 4  Various sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page3e_00100
6.html   Effective April 2019   YES 
 
Oman  
Oman's Ministry of Manpower has extended the 
temporary ban on the recruitment of foreign 
nationals in a number of  sectors. The ban was 
originally introduced early in 2018 and has now 
been extended twice.  Mode 4  Various sectors  Viewed at:  
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/th e-
oman -update -official -gazette -1269-79650/   Effective 30 November 
2018  
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of  
Labour Market Tests are no longer required before 
a block visa request is submitted by employers 
seeking to hire foreign nationals.  Mode 4  All sectors  Viewed  at: 
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?
g=ec3265e1 -7860-428e-af30-988aab56d81b  Effective November 
2018 YES   
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- 138 - Measure  Mode(s) of 
supply  Sectoral 
classification  Source  Date  Verified 
by 
Member  
United Arab Emirates  
In February 2019, the UAE implemented a new 
system for long -term residence visas. The system 
enables persons with "specialised talents" and 
researchers in the fields of science and knowledge, 
such as doctors, specialists, scientists, inventors, 
as well as creative ind ividuals in the field of culture 
and art, to apply for a 10 -year visa to live and work 
in the UEA. The visa advantage extends to the 
spouse and children. All categories are required to 
have a valid employment contract in a specialized 
field of priority in the UAE.  Mode 4  Various sectors  Viewed at:  
https://government.ae/en/information -and-
services/visa -and-emirates -id/residence -
visa/long -term-residence -visas-in-the-uae Effective February 
2019  
Viet Nam  
A new decree provides that the Ministry of Labour, 
Invalids and Social Affairs will process all work 
permit applications within five business days of 
submission, down from the previous two - to three -
week processing time. Moreover, the decree 
stipulates that foreign nationals responsible for 
establishing a commercial presence in Viet Nam 
are now exemp t from obtaining a work permit.  Mode 4  All sectors  Decree No. 140/2018/ND -CP 
Viewed at:  
https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/insight/p
ublications/2018/10/vietnams -official -
guidance -on-compulsory   Effective October 2018   
__________