by supplychainreport
Several World Trade Organization (WTO) members have asked the United Kingdom about the compliance of its trade deal with the United States, according to a document released Tuesday, as Britain undergoes its first trade policy review at the global body.
The review, part of the WTO’s standard process for all member countries, comes after Britain secured a 10% baseline tariff agreement with the U.S. in May, marking its first trade deal following Brexit. Britain said it has begun the review positively, with Trade Minister Chris Bryant outlining a “bold, growth-focused strategy” aimed at reinforcing its role as a free and fair trading nation.
However, some members raised questions about whether the U.K. deal aligns with WTO rules, including the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle, which requires members to treat all trading partners equally. Japan asked whether preferential treatment given to U.S. beef and ethanol would be extended to all WTO members. Singapore and China also sought clarification on the deal’s terms for various sectors, including steel and pharmaceuticals.
Bryant emphasized that the agreement represents ongoing free trade negotiations and reaffirmed the U.K.’s commitment to ensuring the WTO remains a functioning and effective institution. He described the body as facing a “critical moment” in maintaining its relevance to global trade.
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