Analytical Note, November 2008
Controversial Points in the Discussion on Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) in the Doha Round.
The Special Safeguard Mechanism (SSM) is often quoted as one of the main controversial points that lead to the failure to the WTO mini-ministerial process in July 2008. Technical divergences relate to key aspects of the design and operation of the mechanism but also strong political divergences among exporters and importers.
The purpose of this note is to explain the rationale and origins of the SSM and the main contentious issues in the current debate.
This article was tagged: Agriculture, Doha Development Round, Import Surge, Safeguards, Special and Differential Treatment, World Trade Organization (WTO)