25. Brexit & Trade: Digital protectionism, trade and the WTO

In our recent report Protectionism 2.0: Digital forces driving the new protectionist agenda we highlighted how measures restricting data flows crucial to businesses pose as much a threat to international trade as cruder, traditional tools of trade protectionism. There is widespread consensus that the World Trade Organisation ("WTO") needs modernisation in order to tackle the challenges presented to free trade by both traditional and digital protectionism. Such reform is being considered against a backdrop of concern as to the viability of the WTO dispute resolution process and the use of such practices as forced technology transfers. In the UK, the WTO is now attracting attention as a 'fall back' proposition, should there be a 'no deal' Brexit. We aim to bring you up to speed with the latest developments in this area; we consider possible outcomes for the rules-based multi-lateral trading system and time table of reform; addressing in particular the proposals for WTO reform put forth by the EU and its allies on 26th November. In what seems at times a polarised world, we explore the likelihood of emergence of a consensus between players as diverse as China and the US. You can find a transcript for this episode on our website:  http://bit.ly/393TnGr  Find out more about our work on protectionism here: http://bit.ly/2YaWAPF  We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Register for an account on our website to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars: http://bit.ly/38eOKtP