Trade-restrictive measures implemented by WTO members appear to be on a downward trajectory while a record number of trade facilitation measures have been adopted during the October 2014 to October 2015 period, according the annual report on trade-related developments released by the World Trade Organisaiton.
However, the report, which was discussed at the December 9 meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB), raises concerns over the increase in the stockpile of trade-restrictive measures recorded since 2008.
During the period under review, the rate at which new trade-restrictive measures have been introduced has been stable at roughly 15 new measures per month, compared to the previous period. Members also implemented 222 new trade-facilitating measures over this period or an average of almost 19 measures per month, the second-highest number since the beginning of the monitoring exercise in 2008. “Nevertheless, only 25% of the restrictive measures recorded since October 2008 have been eliminated. Thus, the stockpile of restrictions has now risen to 2 557 as of October 2015, up 17% from the previous period,” said director general Roberto Azevedo.
