World Trade Organization formation and early dispute settlement (1994–2003)

1. Marrakesh Agreement establishes the WTO framework

   Apr 15, 1994Labels: Marrakesh Agreement, World Trade

   • WTO Timeline
   • WTO Legal texts

2. WTO begins operations with expanded rulebook

   Jan 1, 1995Labels: World Trade, GATT

   • WTO History
   • WTO Report 1995

3. First WTO dispute filed under new rules

   Jan 24, 1995Labels: Venezuela, United States

   • WTO Gasoline
   • WTO DS2

4. Appellate Body created as standing appeals tribunal

   Feb 1, 1995Labels: Appellate Body, World Trade

   • WTO AB members
   • WTO Legal texts

5. First Appellate Body ruling adopted (US Gasoline)

   May 20, 1996Labels: US Gasoline, Appellate Body

   • WTO Gasoline case
   • WTO DS2

6. Singapore Ministerial launches early sector deals

   Dec 13, 1996Labels: Singapore Ministerial, Information Technology

   • WTO ITA press
   • WTO Timeline

7. Basic telecommunications negotiations conclude

   Feb 15, 1997Labels: Basic Telecommunications, GATS Fourth

   • WTO Telecom summary
   • WTO Telecom history

8. Information Technology Agreement tariff cuts begin

   Jul 1, 1997Labels: Information Technology, Plurilateral Deal

   • WTO ITA press
   • WTO ITA

9. Fourth Protocol on telecommunications enters into force

   Feb 5, 1998Labels: GATS Fourth, Telecommunications

   • WTO Telecom history
   • WTO 4th Protocol

10. Seattle Ministerial ends without launching new round

    Dec 3, 1999Labels: Seattle Ministerial, WTO Ministerial

    • Seattle Ministerial
    • WTO Timeline

11. Doha Ministerial launches the Doha Development Agenda

    Nov 14, 2001Labels: Doha Ministerial, Doha Development

    • WTO Doha text
    • WTO DDA texts

12. WTO rules against US steel safeguards in major dispute

    Dec 10, 2003Labels: US Steel, Appellate Body

    • WTO DS248
    • EU Case page