More Resignations Coming as WTO Faces American Criticism

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – It appears as if pressure from the United States to force modernization at the World Trade Organization (WTO) is leading to an exodus of leaders. President Trump has long been against the WTO, and specifically the trade dispute appeals process, and over the past few years has been able to effectively bring the appellate body to a standstill. However, at a virtual meeting of the Committee on Agriculture Monday, the Chair of the Committee, Ambassador John Deep Ford (Guyana), informed members that his term will end on June 30th. The U.S. has lost a few high profile cases, including a challenge by Brazil on the U.S. cotton program ten years ago, but has also recently won a few (a wheat challenge against China and a successful challenge to the European Union’s Airbus subsidies). Ford explained that he had been committed to chairing the agriculture negotiations up to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference scheduled for Kazakhstan next month. However, following the postponement of the event for at least one year, he decided to step aside so that a new Chairman can fully commit to the future of global agricultural trade. The news follows the announcement by the WTO’s Director-General, Roberto Azevêdo of Brazil, to step down at the end of August one year before his term expires.