South Africa in the WTO

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is an enormously powerful and, therefore, significant international institution for South Africa. Its 148 members account for ninety percent of world trade in which exports account for around a quarter of world GDP. The mandatory nature of WTO agreements, the single undertaking, the strengthened dispute settlement system, the robust trade review process, as well as its widening trade agenda means that it has a major impact on the economic well-being of all its members, including South Africa. Indeed no country, but especially developing countries, can afford to remain outside the WTO regime. Moreover, few developing countries can afford to remain politically isolated within the institution and given the structural and diplomatic capability asymmetries within the WTO, most countries seek alliances with others in order to counter these inequalities and thus strengthen their hand in negotiations.