Deputy Secretary Landau Meets with Bosnia and Herzegovina Chairman Bećirović

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina Chairman of the Presidency Denis Bećirović on March 26, 2026. The discussion focused on economic cooperation, specifically the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline.

Secretary Rubio Discusses Iran Threats with Egyptian Foreign Minister

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on March 26, 2026. They discussed ongoing threats from the Iranian regime and reaffirmed the U.S.-Egypt partnership in mitigating Iran's destabilizing economic and security effects.

Northwest Natural Gas - Climate Commitment Act Recovery Mechanism Tariff Revision

The Washington Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC) is reviewing a tariff revision filed by Northwest Natural Gas Company (NW Natural) for its Schedule 308, Washington Climate Commitment Act Recovery Mechanism. The filing, docketed as UG-260133, seeks approval to update the mechanism used to recover costs associated with purchasing allowances and decarbonization efforts required by the Climate Commitment Act.

Oregon AG Names Dr. Andrew Gray Director of Division of Child Support

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced the appointment of Dr. Andrew Gray as the new Director of the Division of Child Support. Dr. Gray, who has over two decades of leadership experience, will begin his role on July 6, 2026. This appointment signifies a leadership change within a key state agency.

14th WTO Ministerial Conference Opens Amidst Global Crisis

The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) has opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with calls to reinvigorate the organization amidst global trade disruptions. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed hope that ministers would find political will to address challenges and advance key agenda items, including the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.

Parliamentarians and business call for WTO reform at MC14

At the opening of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), parliamentarians and business leaders presented documents calling for urgent reform of the multilateral trading system. Key calls include restoring the dispute settlement system, advancing digital trade, and renewing the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

Plastics Dialogue coordinators issue MC14 ministerial statement and technical package

WTO Plastics Dialogue coordinators presented a ministerial statement and a package of five technical documents at MC14. These documents reflect progress in addressing plastics pollution and outline a roadmap for trade-related cooperation, with 83 co-sponsors representing nearly 90% of global plastics trade.

China Pledges USD 1.1 Million for WTO Accession Support and LDCs

China has pledged USD 1.1 million in 2026 to support the WTO's Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme, as well as the general fund for WTO technical assistance. The contributions were confirmed through two memoranda of understanding signed on March 25th.

UK Donates CHF 1.56 Million to WTO Development Programmes

The United Kingdom has donated approximately CHF 1.56 million to the WTO's Global Trust Fund and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution aims to enhance the capacity of developing economies to participate in the multilateral trading system and improve food safety and animal/plant health for safe trade.

WTO Members Showcase Investment Facilitation Agreement Progress

WTO members participating in the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement showcased implementation progress and urged its incorporation into the WTO legal framework at a high-level event. The Agreement, concluded in 2024, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency of investment procedures, particularly for developing economies.