WTO ministerial: multilateralism remains critical but needs to deliver further results

The Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on Friday, 17 June 2022. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) applauds the WTO and its Member States for reaching outcomes against a challenging geopolitical backdrop. Consensus was found on several issues, including food security, pandemic response, fishing subsidies, the moratorium on import duties for e-commerce and, most importantly, the reform of the WTO.

News
19 Jun 2022
Trade
WTO ministerial: multilateralism remains critical but needs to deliver further results

The Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) concluded on Friday, 17 June 2022. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) applauds the WTO and its Member States for reaching outcomes against a challenging geopolitical backdrop. Consensus was found on several issues, including food security, pandemic response, fishing subsidies, the moratorium on import duties for e-commerce and, most importantly, the reform of the WTO.

While the agreements show the continued importance of the WTO in underpinning the rules-based international trading system, the outcomes also risk showing the limits of an unreformed institution. To that end, the commitment to reforming the WTO will be vital to follow through to meet the current needs of the global economy and to be better equipped to manage the future of international trade.

In regard to the decision to waive intellectual property rights on the COVID-19 vaccines, AmCham EU is concerned about the precedent this sets and questions whether the objectives of increasing access, improving distribution and promoting uptake around the world will be facilitated by this action. Weakening IP rules is not only unnecessary given the abundant global supply of vaccines, but will effectively weaken the ability to respond to future pandemics.

Looking ahead to future Ministerials and the organisation’s overall work, AmCham EU stands ready to work with the WTO and its Member States to build a more ambitious agenda, including commitments on issues such as tackling export restrictions and furthering digital trade.

Image credit: WTO (https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/photo_gallery_e/photo_gallery_e.htm

Related items

News
27 Nov 2025

Advocating for open, rules-based trade in Strasbourg

On Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday, 26 November 2025, AmCham EU travelled to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Over the two-day programme, the delegation met with nearly a dozen MEPs and advisors for an exchange on the future of EU trade policy. Discussions centred on the importance of transatlantic cooperation, the ratification of the EU-Mercosur agreement and the implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement. Members underlined the need for an ambitious EU trade agenda that ensures market access, reduces tariff and non-tariff barriers and strengthens the resilience of European industry. The delegation also called for a swift adoption of the Commission’s proposal on tariff reduction on US industrial goods and reiterated the importance of a pragmatic, forward-looking transatlantic agenda that promotes predictability and economic security.

Read more about Advocating for open, rules-based trade in Strasbourg
News
1 Oct 2025

Examining where transatlantic trade goes from here with POLITICO

At the POLITICO Competitive Europe Summit, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU reiterated the need for swift implementation of the EU-US Framework Agreement and renewed its call for greater simplification of EU rules. Mr Lohan expressed cautious support for the deal, noting its role in avoiding damaging escalation and restoring a degree of predictability. He also underscored the importance of reducing regulatory burdens, highlighting simplification as a strategic priority for competitiveness. With the priority now on timely tariff reductions, regulatory cooperation and simplification, find out how our members see the deal evolving

Mr Lohan was joined by Matthias Jørgensen, Head of Unit, USA and Canada, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission and Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US 

Trade
Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about Examining where transatlantic trade goes from here with POLITICO
News
28 Sep 2025

Bolstering EU-US business ties in DC

From Monday, 22 September to Thursday, 25 September 2025, AmCham EU led a delegation of members to Washington, DC for a series of high-level meetings with US policymakers and stakeholders. The delegation engaged with Congressional offices, US federal agencies and transatlantic institutions to discuss regulatory developments, trade priorities and the future of EU-US economic and political cooperation. The visit sought to reinforce the transatlantic relationship, advocate for regulatory alignment and promote open dialogue on shared strategic challenges, including competitiveness, security and digital policy. 

On Monday, 22 September, the delegation kicked off with a high-level meeting with the US Chamber of Commerce. Discussions focused on the economic outlook, regulatory divergence and the implementation of the EU-US trade framework agreement. AmCham EU underlined the role of cooperation within the business community in supporting a pragmatic and forward-looking transatlantic agenda.  

On Tuesday, 23 September, the group met with the Delegation of the EU to the US, as well as representatives from the House of Representatives and the Senate. Meetings covered the current political landscape, foreign policy coordination and EU-US economic cooperation, particularly in light of new regulatory initiatives on both sides of the Atlantic. The day concluded with a roundtable at the Atlantic Council on the future of the transatlantic trade relationship. 

The group began Wednesday, 24 September, at a breakfast roundtable on digital trade, with contributions from the EU Delegation and US Department of Commerce. The discussion focused on data flows, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the outlook for digital cooperation. Later in the day, the group met with senior officials from the Office of the US Trade Representative and the US Departments of Treasury and State, where conversations centred on regulatory convergence, market access and the importance of aligning strategic priorities. 

On Thursday, 25 September, the delegation met with the European Parliament Liaison Office and the US Department of Commerce. These final discussions centred on the experiences of US businesses operating in Europe and reinforced AmCham EU’s commitment to supporting a constructive and stable transatlantic relationship. Members reiterated the need for open dialogue and continued cooperation to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth. 

Throughout the visit, AmCham EU stressed the value of the transatlantic partnership as a key driver of global prosperity. With US companies investing over €3.7 trillion in Europe and supporting close to five million jobs, the transatlantic economy remains the strongest, most integrated bilateral relationship in the world. AmCham EU reaffirmed its role as a trusted knowledge partner and advocated for policies that foster innovation, sustainability and long-term competitiveness. 

Trade
Transatlantic
Read more
Read more about Bolstering EU-US business ties in DC