Caribbean Trade Law and Development

Category: World Trade Organization

  • Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest – Feb 8-14, 2026

    Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest – Feb 8-14, 2026

    Dear Reader,

    Welcome to our Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest for the week February 8-14, 2026!

    📌THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

    WTO reform discussions ahead of the WTO Fourteenth Ministerial Conference (MC 14) in Cameroon next month (March 26-29) reflect pressure on the organisation to adapt to rising protectionism and geopolitics-fuelled trade tensions.

    China announced its intention to remove tariffs on most imports from African countries starting 1 May to expand trade and cooperation across the continent.

    The U.S. House of Representatives voted narrowly to repeal tariffs imposed on Canadian imports under a controversial national emergency declaration.

    At a summit in Belgium, EU leaders backed moving forward with a Buy European approach.

    Let’s get you caught up on these and some of the major trade policy news from across the Caribbean and the world for the past week!

    🌴CARIBBEAN AND HEMISPHERIC TRADE STORIES

    Cuba-bound humanitarian aid flotilla organized as US economic sanctions tighten

    Latin America Reports: An alliance of progressive advocacy groups announced on Thursday their intention to organize a humanitarian aid flotilla – named the Nuestra América Flotilla – to Cuba next month amidst increased economic pressure on the island by the United States. Read more

    Mexico sends aid to Cuba as Sheinbaum walks diplomatic tightrope with US

    The Guardian: Much-needed supplies but no oil arrive on navy ships as Trump stokes island nation’s economic crisis. Read more

    Trinidad receives US licences for cross-border energy work with Venezuela

    CNW: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in a statement posted Friday on X, said the licences represent an opportunity to deepen hemispheric energy cooperation and strengthen regional stability. Read more

    T&T seeks energy gains…Moonilal optimistic over new US OFAC licences…

    Trinidad Express: The Ministry of Energy will continue proactive engagement with all relevant partners to ensure Trinidad and Tobago responsibly capitalises on opportunities arising from two new licences issued under the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) General Licence, Energy Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal has said. Read more

    Caribbean takes centre stage at CAF’s International Economic Forum 2026 in Panama

    Caribbean News Global: Caribbean priorities featured prominently at CAF’s International Economic Forum – Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, as regional leaders, policymakers, experts and business stakeholders advanced discussions on issues at the forefront of the region’s development agenda, including resilience and financing solutions tailored to small island economies. Read more

    CTO head sees potential for continued upward movement

    Nationnews: Tourism in Barbados and the Caribbean is poised for continued growth this year. Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) secretary general Dona Regis-Prosper is confident that will be the outcome, following what she called “another remarkable year” in 2025 for land and cruise tourism. Read more

    Dominican Republic Joins Jamaica, the Bahamas, Guatemala, Mexico, Barbados, and Other Caribbean Countries in Facing Severe Visa Cuts and Travel Changes in the US Under the EXILE Act in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

    TTW: In 2026, the Dominican Republic, along with Jamaica, the Bahamas, Guatemala, Mexico, Barbados, and other Caribbean countries, will face severe visa cuts and significant travel changes due to the implementation of the EXILE Act. Read more

    Dr Reddy’s pharmaceutical brand exporting to oil-rich territories in region

    Jamaica Gleaner: Indian pharmaceutical brand Dr Reddy’s Laboratories shipped its first batch of exports from Jamaica to Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana valued at some US$300,000 – about J$50 million. The shipment marks a step towards positioning Jamaica as a regional pharmaceutical hub. Read more

    U.S. House votes against Trump’s tariffs on Canada

    CBC: 6 Republicans join Democrats in resolution to terminate president’s ‘fentanyl emergency’ tariffs. Read more

    U.S. agriculture groups launch campaign backing trade deal with Canada, Mexico

    CBC: Coalition touts benefits of CUSMA to rural America, key voting block for Trump and Republicans. Read more

    Trump privately weighs quitting USMCA trade pact he negotiated, Bloomberg News reports

    Reuters: U.S. President Donald Trump is privately musing about exiting the North American trade pact, injecting further uncertainty about the deal’s future into pivotal renegotiations involving the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. Read more

    U.S. signs trade deal with Taiwan, lowering tariffs to 15%, while Taipei to boost American goods purchases

    CNBC: Washington and Taipei have signed a trade deal lowering tariffs on Taiwanese exports to 15%, on par with those on Asian allies Japan and South Korea, while the island will open its market for U.S. goods. Read more

    Report on Canada’s 2025 CUSMA Consultations released

    MeanwhileUpNorth: From September 20 to November 3, 2025, Global Affairs Canada conducted a second set of public consultations regarding the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) through a Canada Gazette notice. Read more

    📢 STRAIGHT FROM THE WTO!

    Philippines launches safeguard investigation on ceramic tiles

    WTO: On 10 February 2026, the Philippines notified the WTO’s Committee on Safeguards that it had initiated on 5 February 2026 a safeguard investigation on imports of ceramic tiles. Read more

    Korea contributes to WTO Global Trust Fund and WTO Chairs Programme

    WTO: The Republic of Korea made a 2025 contribution of CHF 271,000 to the WTO to help build capacity in developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs), encompassing CHF 145,000 to the Global Trust Fund and CHF 126,000 to help finance the WTO Chairs Programme. Read more

    Applications from LDCs open for WTO annual workshop on transfer of technology

    WTO: Government officials from WTO least-developed country (LDC) members and eligible observers are invited to apply for the 2026 WTO workshop on Article 66.2 (Incentives for Technology Transfer) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), to be held in Geneva from 21 to 23 April 2026. Applications close on 16 February 2026. Read more

    🌎 GLOBAL TRADE STORIES

    WTO chief in Geneva warns of ‘chaos’ if global trade system collapses

    Swiss Info: The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has warned of “chaos” if the global trading system were to fall apart. But keeping things as they are is not an option, WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo‑Iweala said on Wednesday in Geneva. Read more

    After U.S. extends AGOA, China finally agrees zero-tariff access for 53 African nations

    Business Insider (Africa): China will implement zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations from May 1, 2026, state media reported on Saturday, in a move that broadens Beijing’s preferential trade regime across the continent. Read more

    China-South Africa trade deal signals new era of economic cooperation

    CGTN: China and South Africa have taken a major step toward deepening economic ties with the signing of a framework trade and investment agreement, the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Shared Development. Read more

    US, European Union deals open door to nearly $55-60 trillion market, says Piyush Goyal

    The Economic Times: India has fully protected the interests of farmers and more than 95% of farm produce in its trade deal with the US, commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, adding that the US and European Union together open up a market of nearly $55-60 trillion for exporters. Read more

    EU leaders agree to move ahead with ‘Buy European’ policy

    The Guardian: Ursula von der Leyen promises action plan to boost and protect sectors including defence, AI and clean tech. Read more

    European Parliament’s political groups agree EU-US trade deal

    Euronews: Representatives of the Parliament’s groups have agreed on the conditions for applying the controversial agreement. After the formal vote, negotiations with EU member states will move towards a final text. Read more

    Australia, EU zero in on free trade deal after breakthrough talks

    AFR: Two days of intense negotiations have all but ended deadlocks over a free trade agreement with the European Union, with a deal now virtually settled and requiring just the signatures of leaders to finalise. Read more

    Thank you for reading the Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest, a product of the Caribbean Trade and Development blog. If you found this edition useful, subscribe to our Blog to ensure you never miss a weekly update.

    Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

  • World exports of intermediate goods increased 20% in Q1, says WTO

    World exports of intermediate goods increased 20% in Q1, says WTO

    Alicia Nicholls

    According to a World Trade Organization (WTO) quarterly report released on September 2, global exports of intermediate goods saw a 20% year on year increase in the first quarter of 2021. The WTO report defines intermediate goods as those goods used as inputs in the production of a final product. It noted that “growth was strongest for IG ores, precious stones and rare earths (43 per cent) and food and beverages (22 per cent).”

    Asia was the region which saw the highest percentage growth (28%) in the exports of these goods, mainly due to China. Indeed, China, the US, Germany, Hong Kong (China) and Japan were the top exporters of intermediate goods, according to the WTO report. The first four countries were also the top importers globally, while India was the fifth.

    Access the WTO report here.

  • WTO: New DG Okonjo-Iweala officially assumes office and delivers maiden speech

    WTO: New DG Okonjo-Iweala officially assumes office and delivers maiden speech

    Alicia Nicholls

    On March 1, 2021, and after a protracted selection period, the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s seventh and first female Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala officially took office. A world -respected finance expert and development economist, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala further makes history by being the first DG from the African continent.

    In her maiden speech, the new DG acknowledged the high expectations attendant with her assumption of office. While noting she would do her utmost to move the organisation forward, she rightly indicated that as a membership-driven organisation cooperation of its 164 members was needed. As such, she implored Members that “high expectations of my leadership also means that I have high expectations of you to help me deliver”.

    As is widely acknowledged, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala assumes directorship of the WTO at a critical time in that organisation’s over two decades-long history. She will be leading an organisation which is fighting fires on several fronts and faces questions of its continued relevance given its stalemated negotiations function and defunct Appellate Body. The new DG reiterated to Members that “it cannot be business as usual”.

    Outlining some of the priorities Members had indicated to her, she urged the need to “work hard to complete a few deliverables before MC12 so that Ministers can focus on ratifying agreements and agreeing best methods for implementation”. In particular, she cited the “the need to prioritize action on COVID-19 both for the immediate and longer term and focus on completing Fisheries Subsidies negotiations before the middle of the year”.

    She also recommended that “three or four clear deliverables” be finalized before the WTO’s overdue Twelfth Ministerial Conference. (MC12). MC12 was originally to be held in Kazakhstan in 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the General Council meeting on March 1, WTO members decided that MC12 will take place “in the week of 29 November 2021” in Geneva, Switzerland.

    The new DG also drew attention to the unequal global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, in which many poor countries lag behind rich countries in accessing doses for their citizens. She noted her hope to be able to “initiate a dialogue and information exchange between us and representatives of manufacturers associations from developing and developed countries”.

    Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s term of office will expire on August 25, 2025 and is renewable for one more term. Read her full speech here.

    We at the CTLD Blog take this opportunity to congratulate Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and wish her a successful tenure.

    Alicia Nicholls, B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.B. is a trade and development consultant with a keen interest in sustainable development, international law and trade. All views herein expressed are her personal views and should not be attributed to any institution with which she may from time to time be affiliated. You can read more of her commentaries and follow her on Twitter @LicyLaw.

  • What COVID-19 trade measures have WTO members notified so far?

    What COVID-19 trade measures have WTO members notified so far?

    Alicia Nicholls

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) has this week called on Members, including those in the Caribbean, to notify trade and trade-related measures they are implementing nationally to fight the spread of COVID-19 and to support their economies during these unprecedented times.

    This is part of the WTO’s efforts to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on global trade. It is also consistent with the WTO’s role as the guardian of the multilateral trading system by, inter alia, promoting transparency of Members’ trade laws and policies.

    To this end, both this initiative and the Director General’s decision to establish a special taskforce of experts from across the WTO Secretariat to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on trade flows and the overall global economy are welcomed.

    What has been notified so far?

    According to the WTO’s new COVID-19 and world trade page, the following Members have notified trade/trade-related COVID-19 measures thus far: Albania, Brazil, Kyrgyz Republic, Mauritius, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.

    As many countries turn inward to fight the outbreak, it is little surprise, though unfortunate, that many of the notified measures are trade-restricting. The majority of measures have been notified as technical barriers to trade (TBTs), but sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and quantitative restrictions have also been notified. Several of the notifications relate to export bans or licensing arrangements for the export of medical equipment, while others restrict imports of live fish and fish products, mammals and exotic pets from certain affected countries, particularly China where the virus originated.

    WTO Secretariat List of Members’ Trade-related COVID-19 measures

    The WTO Secretariat has also compiled its own list of Members’ trade and trade-related COVID-19 measures based on official and other public sources. The list as at March 26 may be found here.

    In addition to some trade-restrictive measures, the list shows that there have also been some trade-enabling measures implemented, such as reductions or eliminations of customs duties on medical supplies.

    Another example of a trade-enabling measure is Argentina’s suspension of its anti-dumping duty on imports of hypodermic syringes from China and parenteral solutions from Brazil and Mexico.

    The wider perspective

    More broadly, there has been growing concern over bans or restrictions being implemented by some countries on the export of medical supplies, such as pharmaceutical drugs, disinfectants and face masks. An insightful analysis by Global Trade Report (2020) found that “as of 21 March 2020, 46 export curbs on medical supplies have been introduced by 54 governments since the beginning of the year”.

    Let us consider a few examples. The European Union (EU) has temporarily introduced export authorisation requirements for exports of personal protective equipment outside of that bloc. Amidst a surge in global demand, India has announced an export ban on the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, believed by some to be a possible cure for COVID-19 but this remains scientifically unproven. The United Kingdom (UK) has banned the parallel exporting of certain medicines critically for treating COVID-19 patients in intensive care units.

    Export bans are now being extended to food items, which the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned could cause a global food shortage. For instance, in order to ensure enough rice supplies during the COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has halted the signing of new rice export contracts until March 28th. Kazakhstan has banned the export of key food items.

    What about the Caribbean?

    Although announced as temporary measures, these developments are particularly disconcerting for import-dependent small States like those in the Caribbean which not only rely on the importation of food products, but depend on the importation of medical supplies needed to combat the spread of the highly contagious virus. These export bans and restrictions will not only restrict the availability of these needed medical supplies, but make sourcing them more expensive, with dire implications for affected importing countries’ ability to save lives.

    How have Caribbean countries responded to the COVID-19 crisis to date? No Caribbean WTO Member has notified any COVID-19 trade-related measures so far. Indeed, Caribbean countries’ policy responses to the crisis have been largely in the form of fiscal stimulus packages and economic and social support for affected workers and businesses, as opposed to any export-related measures.

    Nonetheless, to assist the WTO Secretariat in its monitoring of Members’ trade/trade-related COVID-19 policy responses and to comply with our general notification obligations under the various WTO Agreements, it is advisable that our governments notify any COVID-19 trade/trade-related measures or economic support measures which may have a possible trade impact.

    Caribbean countries should also advocate for greater international cooperation to ensure that they and other poorer countries are able to access needed medical supplies and foods.

    Alicia Nicholls, B.Sc., M.Sc., LL.B., is an international trade and development consultant. You can also read more of her commentaries at www.caribbeantradelaw.com and follow her on Twitter @LicyLaw.

    DISCLAIMER: All views expressed herein are her personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of any institution or entity with which she may be affiliated from time to time.