WTO Proposes 10 Percent Spending Cut Amid US Arrears
The WTO plans a 10 percent spending cut after the U.S. fell into arrears. Proposed measures include hiring freezes to bridge a 21 million franc budget gap.
Xurve View
Xurve View
The World Trade Organization (WTO) will cut spending 10% to 183.4 million Swiss francs after the United States fell into arrears. It is the largest arrears crisis for the trade watchdog in a decade, with 29 members failing to pay. For investors, the funding gap signals a further erosion of the rules-based global trade system.
The WTO Secretariat plans to reduce the 2026 budget from 204.9 million Swiss francs ($263 million), according to classified documents. The organization currently faces financial pressure as 10 members, including the United States, missed payments for over a year.
