The US recently rejected a proposal to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO). Deputy US Trade Representative Dennis Shea said that the proposal advanced by the EU, China and India did not address the concerns raised by the US. As a result, the WTO could be limited in its ability to mediate disputes in 2019.
The EU set forth two proposals that reportedly fundamentally reform the WTO’s dispute settlement system in 25 years. Over the past year, the US has refused new appellate body appointments for the three-panelist forum required to sign off on rulings, therefore the forum could cease to administer disputes by the end of 2019. The WTO has requested for the US to allow appointments to continue as negotiations for reform proposals continue.