Implications for Companies with International Trade Interests
Following calls by world leaders at the G20 and APEC meetings in November to conclude the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations by the end of 2011, the 153 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in mid-January resumed intensive negotiations in all key areas of the talks - including industrial tariffs and non-tariff barriers, trade remedies, services, intellectual property and agriculture. For companies engaged in or directly affected by international trade, the potential stakes are high. Accordingly, such companies are well-advised to review what is under negotiation, how potential outcomes of the negotiations might affect their future international trade interests (both positively and negatively), and what actions they can take at this point in an effort to shape those outcomes in a way most favorable to their interests.
This alert presents a brief summary of the key subjects under negotiation and the potential impact of possible outcomes in these areas from the perspective of affected companies.
Industrial Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers
The objective of the negotiations is to reduce or eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers that impede international trade flows. A number of different techniques are being considered as a basis for making tariff cuts, including the application of a formula that provides flexibilities for developing countries and targeted reductions or elimination in certain sectors.
Please see full Alert below for further information.
Please see full publication below for more information.
