GENEVA – Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has warned that rising sectoral and reciprocal tariffs are deepening global trade challenges.
Speaking during a high-level dialogue between WTO members and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Geneva, Okonjo-Iweala said the current trading environment poses serious risks, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
“These tariff policies have created distortions that disproportionately hurt small businesses,” she said, urging a return to multilateralism to ensure fair competition and inclusive growth.
According to the WTO chief, the erosion of trust in global trade rules is slowing investment flows and creating uncertainty for both developed and developing economies.
She said, “We must prioritize inclusive negotiations to create a stable trading environment that restores confidence across all sectors.”
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The dialogue, hosted by ICC Chair Philippe Varin, brought together business leaders, ambassadors, and trade experts to explore trade reforms and strategic collaboration.
Okonjo-Iweala appreciated Sahra English, Chair of the ICC Trade and Investment Commission, and Valerie Picard, Head of Trade, for highlighting private sector concerns during the session.
She emphasized that international trade must remain open, transparent, and rules-based. “Without predictability in trade systems, global supply chains will suffer more shocks,” she warned.
Ambassador Saqer Almoqbel, Chair of the WTO General Council, stressed the need for closer cooperation between policymakers and business leaders to navigate today’s trade uncertainties.
Several ambassadors and WTO Secretariat staff also attended the meeting, expressing support for ongoing efforts to strengthen multilateral trade mechanisms.
“Dialogue like this ensures that policy decisions reflect the realities faced by businesses on the ground,” Okonjo-Iweala said, calling for greater alignment between trade rules and real-world challenges.
The WTO head reaffirmed her commitment to reforming global trade frameworks, urging members to bridge gaps and avoid protectionist policies.
She concluded, “The way forward is through cooperation, not fragmentation.”