Global Poll Reveals Widespread Criticism of U.S. WTO Practices

Global Poll Reveals Widespread Criticism of U.S. WTO Practices

A recent report from China's Ministry of Commerce has ignited discussions on the United States' adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. According to a CGTN-conducted global survey, a staggering 90.53% of respondents believe that the U.S. is violating WTO guidelines through unilateral sanctions and discriminatory measures.

Over the past year, the U.S. has implemented a series of unilateral sanctions, increasing tariff barriers, and enforcing discriminatory trade measures. These actions are perceived as significant challenges to the multilateral trading system. The survey highlights that 94.31% of respondents disapprove of the U.S.' disregard for WTO regulations, especially concerning the April 2024 Section 301 investigation targeting China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries.

Moreover, the U.S. has rejected 76 consecutive proposals from other WTO members to appoint new Appellate Body members during regular Dispute Settlement Body meetings. Despite backing from 130 WTO members for launching this selection process, 94.12% of survey participants view the U.S.' refusal as prioritizing national interests over global trade norms.

Respondents also criticized the U.S. for selective implementation of WTO rulings. With 95.45% identifying the U.S.' actions as \"American style double-standard,\" the survey underscores the growing perception of inconsistency in U.S. trade policies.

The impact extends to global industries, with the U.S. being the largest issuer of unilateral sanctions, listing 2,868 entities from 91 countries and regions by May 2024. An overwhelming 91.55% of participants believe these sanctions have jeopardized global supply chains' security, while 95.24% accuse the U.S. of misusing national security as a pretext for unilateral aggression.

Additionally, 87.2% of respondents criticized the U.S.' long-term subsidy policies, citing violations of fair competition principles, and 85.82% urged the U.S. to contribute positively to establishing a fairer international trade order.

The survey, released across CGTN's English, Spanish, French, and Arabic platforms, garnered over 6,000 responses within 24 hours, reflecting a strong global consensus against the U.S.' current WTO practices.