Global Trade’s New Path: What the WTO Director‑General Says

The leader of the World Trade Organization spoke at a big meeting in Cameroon. She said the old way of doing trade is gone for good. Countries must plan new rules for a future that looks very different. Most trade still follows WTO rules—about 72 percent. A bright point is the rise of trade in artificial‑intelligence goods and services. But problems are growing. The war in the Middle East and U. S. tariffs create uncertainty for many nations. The director listed several key issues that block progress.Her biggest worry is the dispute‑settlement panel, which has stopped working. Another problem is how subsidies are announced. Only 64 of the WTO’s members filed subsidy notices for 2025, leaving 102 silent. She explained that hidden information breeds distrust. When people suspect unfair advantages or anti‑competitive acts, they hesitate to agree on new rules. This creates a vicious cycle that keeps the system stuck. The WTO must look forward, not backward. Without new ideas and clearer communication, the global trading system will keep facing obstacles.