WTO Chief Pushes Back as U.S. Tariffs Disrupt Global Commerce
World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has called for urgent reforms to restore stability and predictability in global trade, as member states remain divided over issues such as trade equity, dispute resolution, and institutional transparency.
Speaking in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Okonjo-Iweala stressed that the WTO plays a vital role in maintaining stability in the global trading system. She explained that businesses rely on clear and consistent rules to anticipate tariffs, understand how goods will be valued, and assess marketability in foreign markets—factors that ultimately determine profitability.
The predictability of global rules is what the WTO stands for,” she said. “When businesses move goods across borders, they need to know what tariffs to expect and whether they will make a profit. That stability is essential for global trade.
Okonjo-Iweala also highlighted that while consumers often take trade systems for granted, the rules that make the smooth flow of goods possible are crucial but largely unnoticed. She acknowledged that the WTO must respond to criticism from its members and use the current global trade challenges as a chance to strengthen the institution.
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