Ramaphosa again calls for WTO reform as tariff crises rocks global economy
Ramaphosa made the repeated call during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Thursday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the City of Joburg Metro Council on 7 March 2025. Picture: @GautengProvince/X
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has again called for a reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) as a tariff crisis rocks the global economy.
Ramaphosa made the repeated call during the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the WTO on Thursday.
It comes at a time when global leaders try to navigate import tariffs imposed by United States (US) President Donald Trump, in an aggressive move that has begun to reset trade.
Last week, Trump’s administration imposed a 10% baseline on all imports into the US.
While Trump has halted a move to slap higher tariffs on some countries, his tit-for-tat with China over tariffs continues.
Ramaphosa said deficiencies in the trading system need to be addressed urgently.
“We are seeing unilateral and protectionist measures being implemented by some advanced economies that are outside the agreed-upon multilateral framework.
"It is incumbent on us all to ensure that the multilateral trading system is strengthened, or we risk the encroachment of a global trade regime based on power dynamics.”