EU targets ideas to keep US in trade body

The European Commission published its ideas on Tuesday for reforming the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to counter market distortions, such as in China, and to discourage the US from pulling out of the body.

A day after US President Donald Trump escalated his trade war with China by imposing tariffs on $200bn of Chinese imports, the EU announced how it believes unfair trade, excessive subsidies and other problems should be tackled.

Trump said in August he could withdraw from the WTO, potentially undermining one of the foundations of the modern global economy.

“Now the WTO system is slowly grinding to a halt. It is probably in its deepest crisis ever,” EU trade chief Cecilia Malmstrom said. “Key members are not supporting the system but opening unilateral measures with effects we unfortunately know too well.”

The commission proposals, discussed with the 28 EU members, seek to tackle US concerns almost line by line. Updated global trade rules should tackle forced technology transfers and industrial subsidies, but also adapt to changes, such as the rise of e-commerce.

Washington has blocked appointments to the appeals chamber that settles disputes.

By the end of September, the seven-strong chamber will have only three judges, the number required to hear each appeal.