The Future of the WTO Appellate Body

Yang Guohua

Abstract: The World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body (AB) had functioned effectively until the Trump Administration destroyed it. The dispute settlement mechanism (DSM) without the AB has experienced severe malfunctions. The appeal arbitration arrangement is beginning to become relevant and may have an institutional impact. The AB may not be restored in the short term, but will definitely be restored in the future.

Keywords: WTO, Appellate Body Crisis, Appeal Arbitration Arrangement, WTO reform