On July 25, the World Trade Organization (WTO), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), published the latest edition of the World Tariff Profiles. This publication provides a comprehensive analysis of the tariffs and non-tariff measures applied by over 170 countries and customs territories. It is an essential tool for understanding international trade policies and their impact on global commerce.

The new edition of the World Tariff Profiles features detailed summary tables showing the average or maximum “bound” tariffs that each country may apply to imports from other WTO Members. These data are crucial for businesses and policymakers, as they offer an overview of global tariff practices. The tables distinguish between tariffs applied to agricultural and non-agricultural products, providing a clear understanding of tariff variations across sectors.

The national profiles go further by detailing tariffs by product groups, based on the categories established during WTO multilateral trade negotiations. These profiles also indicate the tariffs imposed on countries’ exports by their main trading partners, enabling a thorough comparative assessment of tariff policies between nations.

This edition also highlights an in-depth analysis of tariffs applied to minerals essential to the electric vehicle value chain, such as cobalt, graphite, and lithium.

These materials are crucial for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and other renewable energy technologies.

The analysis reveals that tariffs are generally lower for raw materials than for processed products. Parts and components, as well as finished products, are subject to higher tariffs.

This tariff structure has often limited the ability of developing economies to produce higher value-added goods, thereby hindering their potential for economic growth.

The publication is now available online for consultation, with French and Spanish versions expected by the end of August.

The WTO’s release of the World Tariff Profiles provides a comprehensive overview of tariffs and non-tariff measures for policymakers and global trade actors. By facilitating access to these data, the WTO contributes to a better understanding of tariff practices, enabling businesses to formulate more informed strategies and governments to better navigate international trade negotiations.