Canada, Mexico, China, 39 Other Countries Say Trade Restrictions Should Be Temporary

Canada, Mexico, China, the United Kingdom, Japan and an assortment of other countries around the world said the World Trade Organization has an essential role to play in ensuring the continued flow of essential goods -- including medical supplies -- across borders. “We stress that trade restrictive emergency measures aimed at protecting health, if deemed necessary, shall be targeted, proportionate, transparent and temporary, not create unnecessary barriers to trade or disruption to global supply chains, and be consistent with WTO rules. We pledge to lift any such measures as soon as possible,” the statement said. “We also stress the necessity of maintaining agriculture supply chains and preserving Members' food security. We, therefore, pledge to not impose export restrictions and to refrain from implementing unjustified trade barriers on agricultural and food products in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” No country in the European Union signed the statement, issued May 5, nor did the U.S.