Topics handled by WTO committees and agreements
Issues covered by the WTO’s committees and agreements

Regional trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements

The ever-growing number of regional trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements is a prominent feature of international trade. WTO members participating in these agreements are encouraged to notify the WTO when new agreements are formed.

   

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Regional trade agreements

In the WTO, regional trade agreements (RTAs) are defined as reciprocal trade agreements between two or more partners. They include free trade agreements and customs unions. Detailed information on RTAs is available here. Information on RTAs notified to the WTO is available in the RTA Database.

 

Preferential trade arrangements

Preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) in the WTO are unilateral trade preferences. They include Generalized System of Preferences schemes (under which developed countries grant preferential tariffs to imports from developing countries), as well as other non-reciprocal preferential schemes granted a waiver by the General Council. Information on PTAs notified to the WTO is available in the PTA Database.

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