GENEVA (AP) — The head of the World Trade Organization said Friday she is “eager” to work with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump and his trade team as she takes a wait-and-see approach on Trump’s plans to impose new tariffs to goods from other countries. countries such as China, Mexico and Canada.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made the comments to reporters after member states gave her a second four-year term in an unopposed vote.
The future of the Geneva-based trade body is clouded by Trump’s looming return to power in January in the US, home to the world’s largest economy, as his promises to impose unilateral tariffs on foreign goods entering the country for challenges could arise at the WTO.
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“I think I’m really looking forward to working with President Trump – with all the new people that will be appointed,” she said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
While Trump threatened to withdraw the US from the WTO before his first term, Okonjo-Iweala said there is “general recognition that the organization must be supported” and noted US interests in intellectual property protection and product safety promoted by the trade organization. .
“The WTO and its rules support 75 to 80% of global goods trade,” she said. Okonjo-Iweala expressed hope to help reach an agreement within the WTO that would phase out $22 billion in “harmful subsidies” in the fishing sector, which are raising concerns about damage to ocean fish stocks.
During its first term, the Trump administration largely skirted WTO rules by imposing tariffs on steel and other goods from China and even U.S. allies, among others.
On Monday, Trump promised sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office, as part of his efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs.
Trump said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders.
Such tariffs, if imposed, could be tested through the WTO’s dispute settlement process, although the body that hears appeals is not functioning – largely due to US reluctance to have new members appointed to the WTO.
Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister who also has US citizenship, took office in 2021 as the first woman and first African to hold the position of WTO chief.
Her second term officially starts in September next year.
“Until we get details on what’s planned, I think it would be a little premature to try to comment on these issues,” she said, referring to Trump’s plans.
“I think we have to wait for actual policy,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “And we are very much looking forward to being able to work productively.”
The WTO’s 166 members make decisions by consensus, meaning any country can block them.
