Al Armouti News Bulletin - November 2025

Saudi Arabia Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on Aluminum Can Ends from China

The General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT) has launched an anti-dumping investigation concerning imports of easy-open aluminum can ends from China. The investigation was initiated on 30 September 2025 following complaints from local producers alleging injury caused by dumped imports. Exporters and importers should prepare for the questionnaire and sampling process. The case reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing reliance on trade remedies to protect its domestic manufacturing base.

UAE Updates WTO on New Cosmetics and Personal Care Regulations

The United Arab Emirates has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft technical regulation updating standards for cosmetics and personal care products. The regulation introduces modernized labeling, ingredient safety requirements, and conformity assessment procedures aligned with WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles. Companies importing or manufacturing cosmetics in the UAE should review product formulations and labeling to ensure compliance before the regulation enters into force.

UAE Delegation Participates in WTO Parliamentary Conference in Geneva

A delegation from the UAE Federal National Council participated in the WTO Parliamentary Conference in Geneva on 17 September 2025. The delegation reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting WTO reform, digital trade facilitation, and the inclusion of small and medium-sized exporters from developing countries. The UAE continues to promote open, transparent, and rules-based trade within the multilateral trading system.

Jordan Implements Final Safeguard on Safety and Protective Footwear

The Jordanian authorities have implemented a final safeguard measure on imports of safety and protective footwear. The measure, effective from 1 September 2025, will remain in force for three years and will gradually decline each year. Developing-country exporters below certain import thresholds are exempt. The measure aims to protect domestic producers from injury caused by import surges while promoting industry adjustment.

Egypt Launches Safeguard Investigation on Semi-Finished Iron and Steel (Billets)

The Egyptian Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has initiated a safeguard investigation concerning imports of semi-finished iron and steel (billets). The investigation, notified to the WTO on 10 September 2025, was triggered by a sharp rise in imports that allegedly caused serious injury to local steel producers. Exporters are encouraged to participate and provide data to ensure accurate injury and causation findings and to avoid potential safeguard duties.

EU Confirms Anti-Dumping Duties on Hot-Rolled Steel, Affecting Egyptian Exporters

The European Union has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties on hot-rolled flat steel products from multiple countries, including Egypt. The European Commission’s final determination, adopted on 26 September 2025, found that dumped imports had caused injury to the EU domestic industry. Egyptian exporters will now face new duty rates, which may affect export competitiveness and market access.

WTO Fisheries-Subsidies Agreement Enters into Force

The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies officially entered into force on 15 September 2025 after achieving the required number of ratifications. The agreement prohibits subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and overcapacity. Developing members, including Arab coastal states, are expected to receive technical assistance to help align national frameworks with the agreement’s disciplines.

China Signals End of “Developing-Country” Treatment in WTO Negotiations

China announced its decision to forgo “developing-country” status in upcoming WTO negotiations, signaling a significant policy shift. The announcement aims to accelerate progress in WTO reform discussions, particularly those on subsidies, dispute settlement, and e-commerce. The decision may influence how future countervailing duty investigations assess Chinese inputs in global supply chains, potentially impacting GCC industries that import intermediate materials from China.

WTO Leadership Calls for Momentum on Reform and Dispute Settlement Restoration

At the WTO Public Forum and Parliamentary Conference held in September 2025, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged members to conclude negotiations on restoring a fully operational dispute settlement system by 2026. She emphasized the need for greater transparency in industrial subsidies and a more inclusive multilateral framework. Several Arab delegations echoed the call, stressing the importance of fair participation for developing and least-developed economies.