Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical importance of agriculture in the upcoming WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) in March 2026, highlighting the need for tangible progress in agricultural negotiations due to the fragile global food security situation [3][4]. Group 1: Agricultural Negotiations and Global Food Security - WTO members reaffirmed that agriculture remains a priority, especially in light of the alarming global food security status [3]. - The FAO Food Price Index averaged 127.1 points in March 2025, a 6.9% increase year-on-year, driven primarily by rising meat and vegetable oil prices [3]. - The increase in the vegetable oil price index was 3.7% month-on-month and 23.9% year-on-year, attributed to strong global import demand [3]. Group 2: Concerns Over Trade Practices - China expressed concerns about the impact of "countervailing tariffs" imposed by certain members, which undermine WTO foundations and disrupt global economic order [7][8]. - The Chinese delegation criticized the U.S. for its unilateral and protectionist measures, arguing that such actions harm developing countries and threaten the success of MC14 [8][10]. - Canada and Australia echoed similar sentiments, warning against actions that could weaken existing trade rules and emphasizing the need for a rules-based trading system [12][13]. Group 3: Diverse Perspectives from Member States - The EU highlighted the urgent need for practical solutions to address global food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where a significant portion of the world's food-insecure population resides [13]. - India raised concerns about the existing subsidy rules favoring developed countries and called for more flexible agricultural support mechanisms to ensure food security and livelihoods [14]. - Russia advocated for updating agricultural rules to enhance food availability and affordability, stressing the importance of considering the interests of all market participants [12].
多方在WTO重申维护多边贸易体系,中方回应
第一财经·2025-05-01 12:58