WTO: US trade policy review set for December amid key reform debates

The United States' 16th trade policy review is scheduled for December 16–18, 2026, at the WTO. Normally, such reviews occur every two years, but the last scheduled review in 2024 was delayed due to administrative transitions. The USTR’s 2026 agenda, titled *‘The President’s 2026 Trade Policy Agenda: America First Trade Policy,’* highlights key actions, including a four-year review of Section 301 tariffs on forced technology transfers and potential enforcement actions against China’s civil aircraft sector. The US argues that its trade policies aim to ‘manage trade with China for reciprocity and balance,’ citing past bilateral agreements that reduced friction. However, critics claim China’s non-market practices have driven US trade deficits for over two decades, weakening critical supply chains. The US also criticizes China’s WTO accession in 2001, alleging it led to job losses. At the WTO, the US has blocked consensus on reforms, including dispute settlement system overhauls, despite prior commitments to restore functionality by 2024. Its proposed reforms—such as plurilateral agreements and undermining special and differential treatment—have faced opposition from most members. The US has also blocked decisions at MC14 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, citing limited reform opportunities. The review’s timing coincides with US midterm elections, raising questions about policy shifts. Many countries remain frustrated with US unilateral tariffs, which critics say violate the Marrakesh Agreement’s core provisions. The US has also expressed support for a ‘regime change’ in WTO rules, favoring unilateral actions over multilateral cooperation. The review’s outcome will test whether the US will comply with WTO rules or continue unilateral actions, potentially reshaping global trade dynamics. Concerns persist about US commitment to the WTO’s dispute settlement system and its willingness to address past harms to member nations.