The World Trade Organization (WTO) held its first General Council meeting of 2025 on January 18 in Geneva, Switzerland. China raised concerns over the US unilateral tariff measures, urging the US to withdraw the tariffs and calling for collective action to uphold the rules-based multilateral trade system. 

China’s Ambassador stated that US tariff practices violate WTO rules, increase global economic uncertainty, and disrupt international trade. Over 30 WTO members, including the EU, Canada, Brazil, and Russia, also expressed similar support for the thought. 

The EU’s WTO representative criticized the US for undermining the multilateral system, while Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore warned against a return to protectionism. The WTO Director-General emphasized the need for dialogue to prevent escalating trade tensions.