Assess the effectiveness of WTO interventions during the pandemic and the improvements that are still needed after the pandemic is over, based on the following article

Since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have diligently engaged in formulating a comprehensive and all-encompassing approach aimed at establishing a multilateral response to COVID-19. The primary objective is to not only tackle the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic but also to devise strategies that can effectively address potential future epidemics. Consequently, this research essay proceeds to analyse the array of measures put forth by the WTO in its endeavours to address the challenges posed to social determinants of health by the widespread impact of the pandemic and evaluates their efficacy.

4.1 Intervention on Agriculture and Food

The WTO's key responses to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic include advocating for the facilitation of trade in agricultural products to ensure the continuous flow of food globally. This involves efforts to reduce export restrictions, simplify customs procedures, and minimize trade barriers, all of which are crucial for maintaining global food supply chains.[1] The WTO has discouraged export restrictions on food items, emphasizing the need to avoid measures that could worsen food shortages and price volatility. Additionally, the organization seeks to strike a balance between ensuring domestic food security and sustaining global food trade.[2] Recognizing the vulnerability of developing countries, the WTO has called for targeted support to enhance their capacity to address food security challenges. This support encompasses measures to strengthen agricultural resilience, improve infrastructure, and address trade-related restrictions hindering food production.[3]

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous countries have implemented trade measures aimed at controlling the cross-border transmission of the virus. A total of 38 countries initiated non-tariff measures (NTMs) in 2020, focusing on personal protective equipment, food, medical supplies, plant products, and live animals.[4] The agriculture and food sectors have been particularly affected, with a primary emphasis on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBT). SPS measures aim to safeguard human and animal health by addressing risks related to additives, contaminants, toxins, or disease-causing microorganisms in food.[5] TBT encompasses technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures based on specific rules and standards.[6] Notably, most COVID-19-related SPS and TBT measures have been implemented to facilitate, rather than restrict, trade. These measures are broadly applied to all trading partners rather than selectively targeting specific countries. According to survey data, the Philippines reported the highest number of SPS and TBT notifications in the agriculture and food sector in 2020, with other countries, including Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), the European Union, the Russian Federation, Indonesia, and the United States, following suit.[7] The majority of these cases involved notifications of amendments, such as extending the application of existing measures or cancelling previous ones, with few instances of reporting other types of SPS or TBT measures.[8]

Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown measures have been enforced, leading to constraints on labour mobility and disrupting trade-related jobs. TBT initiatives have included modifications to labelling requirements for specific foods, adjustments to maximum residue levels for agricultural products, and the introduction of online certificate verification.[9] In contrast, SPS notifications have exhibited more import restrictions than TBT.[10] Early stages of COVID-19-related SPS measures focused on prohibiting the import of wildlife products from China and neighbouring countries, as well as establishing requirements for COVID-19 testing of imported food and animal products.[11] Notable instances include increased inspection measures for meat products in Indonesia, the United States, and South Korea.[12] China, in a specific case, requested COVID-19 testing for cold chain foods from certain Ecuadorian producers.[13] Some countries have implemented SPS measures targeting a single country, such as the Philippines imposing a temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil and Chile and tightening phytosanitary certificate requirements for blueberry imports from Peru.[14] Trade facilitation purposes have prompted the submission of alternative measures for food safety and health certificates, resembling TBT measures. Some SPS notifications involve the removal of previously employed measures restricting imports from other countries. Of the SPS and TBT measures in the agricultural and food sector, 41.6% apply to all products.[15]

Despite the intention to mitigate disruptions in global supply chains, the implementation of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) measures comes with inherent drawbacks. Firstly, these measures have the potential to escalate compliance costs for businesses, as meeting specific health and safety standards may necessitate additional investments in production processes and infrastructure. Secondly, unintentionally, these measures may establish entry barriers for small producers or developing economies that may face challenges in meeting stringent requirements, thereby hindering their participation in international trade. Striking a delicate balance between ensuring public health and preventing unnecessary trade barriers remains a multifaceted challenge in the execution of SPS and TBT measures.

4.2 Intervention on Employment

The WTO primarily focuses on monitoring global trends and developments related to working hours, work organization, and work-life balance, with its primary role being to offer recommendations to the tripartite members of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on employment issues.[16] A notable intervention involves actively promoting trade facilitation measures to expedite the movement of goods and ensure the continuity of supply chains. The WTO endeavours to assist businesses in maintaining or restoring employment levels by advocating for the elimination of unnecessary trade barriers and the streamlining of customs procedures. Furthermore, WTO members are urged to refrain from imposing unwarranted restrictions on the export of essential goods, fostering an environment conducive to economic activity and job retention. Emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing the economic impact of the epidemic, the organization recognizes collaborative efforts as crucial for preserving and creating jobs on a global scale. Although the effectiveness of these interventions may vary across regions, the WTO's active engagement underscores its dedication to addressing employment challenges in response to the unparalleled devastation caused by the COVID-19 crisis.