Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agriculture Committee convened, addressing issues ranging from the conflict in Ukraine and trade disputes to the European Union’s deforestation regulation.
A group of WTO members, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, and Japan, expressed support for Ukraine, urging the Russian Federation to end military operations and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. These delegations stated they would not engage in routine interaction with Russia at the WTO and emphasized the broader implications for global food security, citing disruptions in grain production and port infrastructure.
Canada called Russia’s aggression an attack on both Ukraine and the rules-based international system, and declared that it "will not engage in business as usual" with Russia at the WTO. Canada pledged ongoing support for a just and lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s security and deters future aggression.
The United Kingdom reiterated its "unwavering commitment" to holding Russia accountable for its "illegal and barbaric actions." Japan expressed hope that the ongoing diplomatic efforts would lead to a breakthrough in the war and reiterated its strong commitment to supporting Ukraine in coordination with the international community.
The European Union condemned Russia’s military actions and cited attacks on commercial shipping and port facilities as threats to international food supply chains. It reiterated its commitment to Ukraine and its territorial integrity.
In response, Russia rejected the allegations and accused several members of politicizing WTO proceedings. It challenged the legality of sanctions and tariffs targeting its agricultural sector and asserted that broader macroeconomic factors—not the conflict—were driving global food insecurity. Russia also referenced the impact of military activity in its border regions on its own agricultural output.
Ukraine presented an assessment of damage to its agricultural sector, estimating direct losses at $11 billion and indirect losses at $72 billion, with a projected recovery cost of $55 billion over the next decade. Ukraine accused Russia of misusing international platforms to deflect accountability.
The United States did not make any comment.
Canada questioned the United States regarding the application of 25% tariffs on agricultural imports from Canada and Mexico, arguing that these measures contravene WTO obligations and adversely affect trade valued at over $35 billion annually. Canada cited potential impacts on global food security and supply chain integration.
The U.S. declined to address the substance of the claims, citing ongoing dispute settlement proceedings.
The European Union raised similar concerns, stating that the announced U.S. measures were economically detrimental and increased uncertainty in the global trading system. Canada expressed appreciation for the EU’s support and reiterated the importance of resolving the matter through WTO mechanisms.
The European Union provided an update on its Deforestation and Degradation Regulation (EUDR), which has been postponed until the end of 2025. Inquiries from Brazil, Canada, and New Zealand focused on implementation and compliance concerns. The EU stated that guidance materials had been developed and that further clarifications would be made available. A benchmarking list for country classification is scheduled for publication by June 2025.
The EU reaffirmed its commitment to minimizing administrative burdens while maintaining regulatory objectives. A review of the EUDR is planned for June 2028, with subsequent reviews every five years.
Paraguay expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s reliance on FAQs and sought further clarity on the implications of the regulation’s review clause. Brazil argued that the EUDR amounts to a quantitative restriction and reiterated its view that the regulation contravenes the Agreement on Agriculture by discriminating among WTO members.
The EU responded that it had addressed all inquiries and remains open to further engagement.
The WTO Agriculture Committee in Special Session will hold a meeting on 1 April to confirm the appointment of Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ali Sarfraz Hussain of Pakistan as Chair of the agriculture negotiations. No objections to the nomination, proposed by the Asian Group, were received by the 20 March deadline. Reviving agriculture negotiations remains a key objective for the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé in March 2026.
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