Fifty-three World Trade Organization (WTO) members committed to not impose export prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs purchased for non-commercial humanitarian purposes by the World Food Programme (WFP). The agreement could help to ensure that trade rules support progress towards SDG 2 (zero hunger).

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries initially restricted food exports, raising concerns that poor consumers in net food-importing countries would face difficulties in accessing food. In an informal WTO meeting on 10 November, WFP staff said the organization had faced difficulties procuring humanitarian aid in the new market and policy environment. Singapore then introduced a proposal to exempt from export restrictions food bought for humanitarian purposes ahead of the WTO’s General Council meeting on 16 December.

On 21 January 2021, 53 WTO members released a joint statement that recognizes the “critical humanitarian support” provided by the WFP. Members stress that the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises have made this humanitarian support “more urgent.” Signatories therefore commit to not impose export prohibitions or restrictions on foodstuffs purchased for non-commercial humanitarian purposes by the WFP.

The following delegations signed the statement: Albania, Angola, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, the EU, Fiji, the Gambia, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), Liechtenstein, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu; Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the UK; the US; Uruguay; and Viet Nam. [Joint Statement] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on WTO Members’ Consideration of Easing Restrictions]