The WTO in 2018: Systemic Developments, Disputes and Review of the Appellate Body's Reports

Abstract

2018 has been a momentous year for the WTO, a turning point in the history of the organization, with the US turning its back to a 70-year old support of multilateralism in principle and practice. Notwithstanding the looming blockage of the Appellate Body and the wave of restrictive measures imposed by the United States, or rather, also due to the latter, 2018 has been a very busy year for the DSS especially at the panel level. In 2018 the DSB established in respect of distinct disputes 33 panels (the highest number ever), nine of which concerning the US steel and aluminum tariffs. During the same period the DSB adopted 11 panel reports, including six that had not been appealed and five together with the corresponding appeal panel and five Appellate Body reports (seven proceedings). At the end of 2018 there were 12 appeals pending before the Appellate Body (9 cases).