Business / Economy Dec 1, 2020
Japan urges South Korea to end tariffs on steel bars after WTO ruling
Seoul started imposing a 15.39% tariff on Japan-made stainless steel bars in July 2004 and extended the measure for the third time in June 2017.
World Nov 23, 2020
WTO aiming to net fishing deal banning billions in subsidies
Negotiations on banning billions of dollars in fisheries subsidies are coming to the crunch at the beleaguered World Trade Organization, with the deadline to net a deal fast approaching. Disagreements persist, especially over what the outcome might mean for developing countries, while overfishing continues to ...
World / Politics Nov 15, 2020
After years of U.S. disengagement and confrontation, international organizations in Geneva appeared to breathe a collective sigh of relief at Joe Biden's presidential election win — but the anticipated honeymoon could be short. "I think everyone is basically waiting with open arms for the U.S. ...
Business Oct 26, 2020
Japan decides against backing South Korean nominee for WTO chief
The Foreign Ministry is encouraging other WTO members to back Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has served as a finance minister and as the World Bank managing director.
Commentary / Japan Oct 7, 2020
The Quad Security Dialogue in Tokyo: Who will join next?
by Kuni Miyake
The four foreign ministers basically echoed each other's positions and agreed to meet regularly. The real question, however, is who, if any, will join the Quad next.
Business Jul 29, 2020
Japan to revamp trade dispute team amid WTO feud with South Korea
The team will be replaced by a new one in the International Legal Affairs Bureau, which is better equipped to tackle issues concerning international rules, sources say.
Commentary / Japan | API Geoeconomic Briefing Jul 28, 2020
Coping with China’s economic threat
by Shin Oya
More cooperation between smaller states could be the key to stopping China from dominating through sanctions and economic pressure.
Business Jun 30, 2020
WTO rules prevent Japan from blocking a dispute inquiry if South Korea returns with a second request at the next WTO dispute-settlement meeting.
Commentary / World Jun 29, 2020
The WTO and TPP amid the U.S.-China trade war
by Kazuhito Yamashita
The TPP may once again gain attention as a multilateral agreement that complements the problem-plagued WTO.
Asia Pacific Jun 24, 2020
South Korea's first female trade minister bids for top WTO job
South Korea's trade minister Yoo Myung-hee on Wednesday announced her bid to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization, aiming to be the first female leader at the trade body. The nominations process began earlier this month to find a successor to Brazilian ...
Business / Economy Jun 19, 2020
Japan criticizes South Korea for requesting WTO review of export controls
The government on Friday criticized South Korea's decision to ask the World Trade Organization (WTO) to set up a dispute settlement panel over Japan's tightening of export controls on semiconductor materials. Trade minister Hiroshi Kajiyama called the move "extremely regrettable," saying the issue should be ...
Business / Economy Jun 19, 2020
South Korea seeks WTO panel on Japan's tightened export rules
The formal request to appoint a panel of experts to consider the case was sent to the WTO Secretariat in Geneva.