International

Middle East conflict threatens slowing global trade growth

The WTO forecasts global merchandise trade growth to slow to 1.9% in 2026 from 4.6% in 2025, with the Middle East conflict posing a significant downside risk. Elevated energy prices could further reduce trade growth by up to 1.0 percentage point, impacting food supplies and services trade.

WTO Arbitrator to Set Trade Suspension in Indonesia-EU Palm Oil Dispute

A WTO arbitrator has been tasked with determining the level of trade suspension Indonesia can impose on the EU in a palm oil biofuels dispute. Indonesia requested to suspend concessions worth US$2.8-5.6 billion annually due to alleged non-compliance by the EU with a previous ruling. The Dispute Settlement Body also agreed to a panel reviewing China's measures on standard essential patent licensing.

WHO Hub Berlin Highlights 2025 Achievements in Pandemic Intelligence

The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin released its 2025 Annual Report, detailing advancements in AI, data science, and genomics for global health threat detection. The report highlights collaboration with over 160 Member States and 190 partners to enhance pandemic preparedness.

IOSCO Consults on OTC Commodity Derivatives Good Practices

IOSCO has published a Consultation Report on Good Practices for over-the-counter (OTC) Commodity Derivatives Markets. The report proposes practices to strengthen the implementation of existing principles related to information collection, intervention powers, and market disruption management. Comments are invited from market participants and regulators.

LG AI Research Ethical Priorities and IEEE SA Partnership

LG AI Research has published its 2025 Ethical Priorities, detailing efforts to identify and mitigate AI risks, including a partnership with IEEE SA for AI system certification. The report highlights the identification of 219 potential AI risks and the expansion of their AI risk taxonomy.

David Bailey discusses Basel 3.1 framework and regulatory consistency

The Bank of England's Prudential Regulation Authority has finalized its Basel 3.1 framework, set for implementation at the start of 2027. An interview with David Bailey discusses the framework's implications, emphasizing global consistency and balancing regulation in evolving markets.

ISDA Responds to Bank of England on Derivatives Clearing Exemption

ISDA has submitted a response to the Bank of England's consultation regarding an exemption for post-trade risk reduction (PTRR) transactions from the derivatives clearing obligation under EMIR. ISDA supports the proposed principles-based approach and suggests immediate availability of the exemption upon finalization.

AI Standards, Regulations, and Enforcement Efforts Discussed

Global jurisdictions are discussing policies for responsible AI development and use, but the pace of AI innovation is outpacing regulation. Stakeholders at the AI Standards Hub Global Summit 2026 highlighted the importance of technical standards and assurance systems in guiding compliance amidst evolving regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act and a patchwork of US state laws.

GDPR Article 25: Data Protection by Design and Default Factors

This analysis discusses the implementation of GDPR Article 25, focusing on data protection by design and by default. It highlights the importance of continuously assessing state of the art, cost of implementation, processing context, and risks to individuals, especially with the rise of AI.

Canada Safeguard Investigation on Certain Vegetable Goods

Canada has initiated a safeguard investigation into imports of certain vegetable goods. Interested parties, including importers and exporters, have deadlines in April 2026 to participate and submit information, with a hearing scheduled for June 2026.