[20210605]IF11513_世贸组织：部长级延误、2019冠状病毒疾病和持续问题.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated June 5, 2021WTO: Ministerial Delay, COVID-19, and Ongoing IssuesOverview Due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the World Trade Organization (WTO) postponed its 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) until November 2021. The biennial meeting, which usually involves active U.S. participation, was widely anticipated as an action-forcing event for the WTO amid serious challenges facing the global trading system. Some members had hoped key results for ongoing negotiations could help bolster the WTOs relevance. In addition, a dispute settlement crisis continues, with the Appellate Body ceasing to operate in December 2019, and no consensus on solutions. Broader reforms of the institution also remain under active discussion, including some U.S. proposals. While MC12 and other meetings were suspended, members have attempted to continue some WTO operations virtually. The new WTO Director-General (DG) is also getting settled into her new role. The post had been vacant since fall 2020, after the Trump Administration objected to Nigerias Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the candidate who had received the majority of WTO member support. The Biden Admini