The Crisis of U.S. Tariffs and Its Settlement Mechanisms within the Framework of the World Trade Organization

Abstract

The World Trade Organization is facing one of the most difficult challenges that could lead to its solution in the future, if it does not improve its handling of the customs duties imposed by the United States of America unilaterally on imports from many countries on April 2nd, 2025, ranging between 10% and 145%.

Among the common mechanisms that the World Trade Organization can resort to in resolving trade disputes between America and these countries, especially China, is the use of amicable methods stipulated in the memorandum of understanding on the rules and procedures governing disputes in the organization; which include consultation, good offices, conciliation, and mediation. It can also resort to arbitration as an alternative means of settling the existing dispute, given its effectiveness at resolving this type of dispute within the organization over the years.