At approximately 9:03 a.m., the atmosphere in the WTO committee is bursting with anticipation. Delegates cluster largely by comfort, with female delegates forming a close circle in one corner, while their male counterparts scatter across the room. Some review last-minute notes. Deceptively calm, but…beneath the surface, alliances and rivalries are already forming.

Deputy Chair ZhenZhen raises the gavel five times to commence roll call. The Delegate of Mexico logistically inquires about microphones, and I get the impression he is the outgoing type. Love those. Opening statements follow: most follow status quo, but some telltale early signs of contention arise. Switzerland subtly criticizes the U.S. for its tariffs on China, to which the U.S. Delegate responds, “Tariffs are part of a non-arbitrary process.”

The real deal starts once the committee moves into an unmoderated caucus. Blocs are formed, conversations teetering out. The Delegate of India hesitates mid-sentence before suggesting that “China is the reason why…” — followed up impassionately by the critique of Chinese policies, accusing them of deepening economic hierarchies between nations.

Soon, two distinct blocs emerge. The first, a “pro-tariffs with nuance” group (India, Nigeria, France, South Africa, Egypt, Germany, Vietnam, and Mexico) want tariff flexibility: developing nations may impose tariffs, BUT developed countries should refrain. It’s pragmatic, hinting at protectionism. Meanwhile, another bloc (Switzerland, the UK, Russia, China, Nigeria, and Singapore) champions “gradual reduction for developing countries and upholding multilateralism for developed countries.” Contrasting with the first group’s immediate, policy-based negotiation.

Amidst this professional chaos, Brazil’s Delegate calls to expand the Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) system, which resonates across blocs. The U.S. Delegate, on the defensive, poor guy, explains that “Trump’s primary reason for using tariffs is to use them as a negotiation tactic to reset trade balances.” 

As the unmoderated caucus continues, the tone becomes increasingly animated. Pleasantries are no more: stay in tune for the even more interesting MOD caucus, where debates and sparks will certainly fly, folks!

Author: Mandy Zhao