Navigating WTO Reform: Challenges and Progress

Countries are advancing WTO reforms, but striking a deal at the next major March meeting seems unlikely. Consensus-rule challenges, U.S. frustrations, and core principles like Most Favored Nation status are key focus areas. The WTO's future hinges on meaningful reform to stay relevant in global trade.

Efforts to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO) are underway, with countries making notable progress. However, a deal is unlikely at the forthcoming major meeting, according to the ambassador spearheading the talks in a confidential document.

Norway's WTO ambassador Petter Olberg conveyed in a document dated December 12 that while progress is evident, an agreement on decision-making reforms won't be reached at the 2026 ministerial meeting. He emphasized that ministers meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon, should focus on agreeing on a framework for future reforms.

The U.S. voiced concerns that the current consensus rule hinders agreements, urging for reform discussions to reconsider key principles like the Most Favored Nation. A diplomatic source expressed that this U.S. stance is not overwhelmingly supported by members, warning that without MFN, true multilateralism is compromised.