China urged members of the World Trade Organization on Tuesday to fully meet their transparency obligations when implementing trade measures, saying that better disclosure is essential for safeguarding the stability and credibility of the multilateral trading system. The call was made during a formal session of the WTO’s Trade Policy Review Body, where China outlined its position in response to the organization’s latest Trade Monitoring Report.
During the meeting, WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo Iweala warned that the global trading system is experiencing its most serious disruption in eight decades. She cited the rapid rise of unilateral tariff decisions, growing geopolitical tensions, and increasing regional conflicts as major sources of strain. Despite these challenges, she said the multilateral trading system continues to show resilience, noting that roughly seventy-two percent of global trade still operates under most favoured nation rules.
The director general added that the WTO will monitor developments in tariff measures closely and plans to conduct a new assessment of the share of global trade carried out under MFN terms in the coming weeks. She emphasized the importance of timely reporting, especially during periods of uncertainty.
China’s delegation said the Trade Monitoring Report remains a critical tool for tracking shifts in global trade policies and for assessing their impact on economies. The delegation called on all WTO members to actively fulfill their reporting duties, particularly when introducing new trade measures or adjusting existing tariffs. Transparent reporting, they said, strengthens confidence in the multilateral system and allows members to respond effectively to risks.
China also expressed concern that the United States has not promptly notified the WTO of several trade related actions. As one of the most influential participants in global trade, China said the lack of timely reporting from the United States undermines the organization’s ability to carry out its monitoring responsibilities. The delegation stressed that in the current environment of heightened global uncertainty, all members should disclose new measures as quickly as possible, regardless of their legal status.
Other members, including the European Union, echoed China’s remarks and highlighted transparency as a core principle of the WTO framework. They emphasized that stronger monitoring and regular assessments of trade measures can help countries better manage challenges in the global trading environment. Several delegations agreed that openness and coordinated oversight are essential for ensuring that the multilateral trading system remains stable and continues to support economic growth.
The meeting concluded with broad acknowledgment that improved transparency can help reduce misunderstandings, strengthen trust and support the effective functioning of global trade institutions at a time when international tensions and economic uncertainty remain high.
