Världshandelsorganisationens

Världshandelsorganisationen, or WTO, is an international organization that deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible. The WTO began in 1995, succeeding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) which had been established after World War II.

The WTO oversees approximately 60 agreements, which have been signed and ratified by the bulk of the world’s trading nations. These agreements provide the legal ground rules for international commerce. They are designed to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business. The goal is to help trade flow as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

The WTO has a dispute settlement system, which is a central element of the global trading system. It provides a structured process for resolving trade disputes between member governments. This system aims to ensure that trade rules are enforced and that members can rely on a predictable and fair trading environment.

Membership in the WTO is open to any state or customs territory that has full autonomy in the conduct of its external trade relations. As of the last update, there are 164 members. The organization is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Decisions in the WTO are generally made by consensus among its member governments.