PANDEMIC SLOWS PROTECTIONISM
According to a recent WTO report, the balance of trade policies respected by the G20 economies has prevented a destructive acceleration of those protectionist measures which would have further damaged the world economy, already tested by the health emergency.
The 25th WTO Trade Monitoring Report analyzes the trade measures taken by the G20 economies as the world continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The period examined (from mid-October 2020 to mid-May 2021), presents interesting information, identifying a series of areas subject, in most Countries, to an economic recovery, even in the presence of a health emergency that has not yet ended. In particular, international cooperation and coordination between nations and intergovernmental organisations has increased and intensified in recent months. In numerical terms, since the beginning of the pandemic, the G20 economies have implemented 140 trade measures, 101 (72%) to promote trade and only 39 (28%) of a protectionist nature. The reduction or elimination of import taxation, applied to goods such as DPI, disinfectants, medical equipment, and medicine, accounted for 60% of trade facilitation measures. Export bans accounted for more than 90% of all restrictive measures; grants, loans, fiscal and financial incentives for the sectors most affected by the crisis (agriculture, health, tourism), on the other hand, were the subject of the support policies adopted.
EU COUNCIL SANCTIONS RUSSIA, LIBYA, BELARUS AND MYANMAR
In the working session of last 21 June, the European Council renewed and tightened up a series of economic sanctions against countries and individuals involved in human rights violations and practices contrary to the rules of international law.
EU AND THAILAND REOPEN NEGOTIATIONS
Proof of agreement. Thailand reopens dialogue with the European Union, with the aim of concluding a Free Trade Agreement that has been under discussion for years and suspended more than seven years ago. The first step was on 17 June, in a conversation between the EU Ambassador to Thailand and the Thai Minister of Commerce.
UK, AGREEMENT WITH NORWAY, ICELAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN
The UK has signed a new trade agreement with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, which will boost critical UK sectors such as digital, cut tariffs on high-quality food and agricultural products and support jobs in all contracting states.
NORTHERN IRELAND, EU AND UK IN SHORT IRONS
First, Lord Frost, says that the Protocol on Northern Ireland, as it is currently written and interpreted, is unlikely to be applied in the long term; Then, Boris Johnson, on the sidelines of the G7 in Cornwall, declares himself “ready for anything” for Northern Ireland.
IN THE GUUE THE NEW DUAL USE GOODS PROCEDURE
The new dual-use goods regulation, now a reality with the publication of Reg. (EU) N. 821/21, will enter into force on 9 September. Since then, the responsibility in this matter that the legislator has assigned to economic operators will also take shape.