By Niyi Jacobs, Editor
The United States has temporarily halted its financial contributions to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as part of a broader reassessment of its funding for international institutions. The decision comes amid a federal spending review aimed at aligning financial commitments with national interests.
According to WTO budget documents, the US was expected to contribute about 11% of the organization’s $232 million budget for 2024. However, during a March 4 WTO budget meeting, a US delegate confirmed that payments for both 2024 and 2025 had been put on hold, pending the outcome of the review.
Washington has long been critical of the WTO’s dispute resolution system, particularly its Appellate Body, which the US previously blocked from appointing new judges, rendering it partially dysfunctional. Officials have accused the organization of judicial overreach in trade rulings.
While the White House has yet to issue an official statement, sources indicate that the review could influence future US engagement with the Geneva-based trade body.
