U.S. Pushes for WTO Reform Amidst Opposition from Developing Nations
The United States, along with the European Union and other industrialized nations, is advocating for significant reforms in the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) system. This push is met with strong resistance from a majority of developing and least-developed countries, including China. The U.S. argues that the current S&DT system, which allows countries to self-declare their development status, undermines the credibility of the WTO. The proposed reforms aim to introduce more stringent, evidence-based criteria for S&DT eligibility. However, developing nations, supported by coalitions such as the African Group and the LDC coalition, insist that S&DT is a non-negotiable, treaty-based right essential for their economic development. The debate highlights a deep divide within the WTO, with developing countries fearing that the proposed changes could limit their policy space and hinder their industrial growth. 
