WTO Chief Declines to Debate Trump, Advocates for Trade Support According to Reuters

By Tom Miles

GENEVA (Reuters) – The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) stated on Wednesday that he would not engage in a dispute with U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has labeled the global trade organization as a "disaster" and has threatened to withdraw from it.

WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo expressed during a news conference that he believes the arguments in favor of global trade need to be conveyed more effectively.

He noted that prior to Britain’s recent referendum, he cautioned about the challenges of leaving the European Union, emphasizing that it would lead to years of intricate trade negotiations. However, he remarked, "sometimes people don’t want to hear the arguments."

In an appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press," Trump suggested that U.S. companies moving production to Mexico should face taxation, dismissing concerns that this would violate WTO rules. "We’re going to renegotiate or we’re going to pull out," Trump asserted.

Azevedo remarked, "We think trade is so obviously positive for every economy that it’s like trying to argue with a friend that he needs to breathe," adding that more effort is needed to advocate for trade.

Earlier on Wednesday, Azevedo announced his intention to seek a second four-year term as the WTO’s leader. He was encouraged by the number of individuals who have countered Trump’s views by advocating for trade, sometimes from unexpected places.

When asked about the potential consequences if the United States were to leave the 21-year-old trading organization, which currently includes 163 members and oversees the majority of global commerce through mutually established rules, Azevedo refrained from commenting.

Under President Barack Obama, the WTO has served as a crucial platform for the United States to promote its commercial interests against major trading powers like China and India.

A trade debate also unfolded leading up to Britain’s June 23 referendum on EU membership. Despite warnings from Azevedo and others regarding the dangers, the UK voted in favor of Brexit, now facing a lengthy and complex process to untangle itself from the EU.

In addressing how to enhance the quality of the trade debate and assist voters in understanding the issues, Azevedo pointed out that decisions are sometimes made based on factors unrelated to the actual implications of trade. He emphasized that such decisions have "nothing to do with how trade helps or does not help."