Dispute settlement

摘要

WTO members initiated 19 new disputes in 2019, half the number of 2018, but above the levels of 2016 and 2017. Twenty-three dispute settlement reports and decisions were circulated. On average, 54 proceedings were ongoing each month, nearly a third more than the previous year. This is the highest figure on record and reflects the high level of disputes passing through the dispute settlement system. As of December 2019, the Appellate Body was reduced to one member and, as a result, could not hear new appeals. Members continued to consult to resolve disagreements over the functioning of the Appellate Body and the selection process to appoint new Appellate Body members.