China Global Television Network Quotes Alan Yanovich on WTO’s New Appeals Body

Akin Gump international trade partner Alan Yanovich has been quoted in the China Global Television Network (CGTN) article “New trade appeals body gets around U.S. block on WTO.” The article reports on how some of the world’s major trading countries have agreed on a way to circumvent U.S. obstruction of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The WTO’s Appellate Body normally deals with trade disputes among members, but the article says it has been hindered by the Trump administration’s moves to block the appointment of new judges. China and the European Union, according to CGTN, have now formed an alternative system of appeals to deal with disputes.

“The interim system is massively important. It ensures that trade amongst these WTO members continues to be based on rules that are enforceable,” said Yanovich. “The MPIA (multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement) will help maintain open trade flows and will weigh against growing protectionist pressures.”

CGTN reports that the 19 subscribing WTO members will soon begin pulling together a list of 10 independent arbitrators that can be called upon to hear future appeals once they begin, which Yanovich described as “an example of what WTO members who are committed to an open and rules-based trading system can achieve when they work together.”

Yanovich added that those who negotiated the coalition should be “recognized for their leadership and commitment to an open and rules-based global trading system.” To overcome the organization’s long-term problems, he observed, “it is important that key members continue to show leadership by concluding plurilateral initiatives like the MPIA.”