The Director-General of the World Trade Organization Pascal Lamy has warned that cases of protectionism have risen in the global market place since the beginning of this year.

Director-General of the World Trade Organization Pascal Lamy (Photo: Internet)

Many more countries are introducing protectionist measures and this has caused tension in global trade relations. Many countries raise their import tariffs to protect their domestic industries from international competition, which they say is unfair, or have applied administrative measures to increase delays at customs. The WTO’s head said on Monday that the new measures are mainly just acts adjusting trade, increasing tariffs, new import license applications and customs controls, while reducing measures to limit exports. He called on governments to step up efforts to guard against protectionist pressures and promote positive measures to keep the markets open and thriving. Many domestic governments, which are under huge economic pressure, need to counter this trend to ensure the free movement of trade.