23/01/2026 - The World Trade Organization (WTO) provides the framework for foreign trade with 166 countries, accounting for 98 percent of global trade. However, the WTO has recently come under scrutiny. The new high-tariff policy of the USA clearly violates WTO commitments, as do many US trade deals. Ahead of the upcoming 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) has issued a position paper on the future of the global trade system.

"Alongside the WTO system, a parallel trade reality is emerging – one characterised by uncertainty, protectionism, and the law of the strongest," explains DIHK's Head of External Trade, Volker Treier. "For Germany's export-oriented economy, this is a dangerous development. Our companies rely on open markets, fair and transparent rules, and their enforcement. The EU must do everything in its power to support the WTO."

From the perspective of the German economy, the WTO needs a strategic reform agenda to prepare for future geo-economic and technological challenges. The DIHK paper "Initiatives for the New Global Trade Order" proposes the following priorities:

1. Preserve and reform the WTO

2. Forge a coalition for free trade and fair rules

3. Prevent digital tariffs

4. Promote sustainability globally rather than unilaterally

5. Consider small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

"To preserve the WTO, the EU should take on greater responsibility and initiate reforms," demands Treier. "Among other things, the economy urgently needs global agreements on digital trade, industrial policies, and sustainability instead of unilateral national measures. Additionally, gaps in WTO regulations on industrial subsidies must be urgently closed. The WTO ban on tariffs on digital transmissions should also be extended. To facilitate the integration of small and medium-sized enterprises into global value chains, WTO members need to agree on an SME agenda."

The DIHK's position paper "Initiatives for a New Global Trade Order" is available for download here (only available in German).