Trade ministers are set to meet in Cameroon on Thursday for four days of negotiations on reforming the World Trade Organization, amid warnings that failure could push countries to set trade rules outside the body.
The meeting in Yaounde comes at a time of heightened global tension, including disruption linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and ongoing tariff disputes following aggressive trade measures introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Economic Risks and Divisions
John Denton, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce, warned the situation could escalate into «the worst industrial crisis in living memory,» citing rising energy prices and risks to food security in Africa caused by fertiliser supply disruptions.
Ministers arrive without a clear reform roadmap after years of stalled negotiations and a six-year paralysis of the WTO’s dispute settlement system. The United States supports reform but opposes a detailed plan, while the European Union, Britain and China favour a structured approach.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has cautioned that discussions will be difficult. Diplomats warn that failure to reach agreement could undermine the organisation’s relevance.
«If we don’t achieve anything concrete, the WTO will lose its attractiveness and relevancy,» Swiss Ambassador Erwin Bollinger said.
Risk of Breakdown
UK trade minister Chris Bryant warned that a lack of progress could lead to fragmentation of global trade rules.
«If we ministers don’t get this week right, you might see a disorderly collapse of the WTO,» he said.
A key point of contention will be the future of a moratorium on customs duties for digital goods. The United States is pushing for a permanent extension, while India is expected to oppose it. Other countries are seeking a temporary two-year compromise.
South Korea said failure to extend the measure would deal a major blow to both the WTO and the global economy. Taiwan will not attend the meeting after host Cameroon referred to it as a province of China.
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