How WTO Disputes Could Hurt U.S. Business

摘要

Whether a company's interests are securing greater foreign market access or protecting U.S. market position, many bottom lines will be affected by WTO dispute settlement activity in 2009. Absence of progress in global trade negotiations or poor economic conditions historically has generated an increase in World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes. The WTO's Doha round negotiations are moribund and the global economy continues to weaken. Given this conjunction, plus the new U.S. Administration, we expect a significant increase in disputes in 2009 and 2010, with U.S. companies at the center of many.