Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) for Developing Countries
S&DT refers to provisions in WTO agreements that give developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) greater flexibility: longer timeframes to implement commitments, lower reduction targets, technical assistance, and in some cases exemptions. S&DT is grounded in Part IV of GATT (on Trade and Development, added in 1966) and elaborated in the Enabling Clause (1979), which provides the legal basis for the Generalised System of Preferences. S&DT provisions appear in virtually every WTO sectoral agreement, including the Agreement on Agriculture, TRIPS, and the Trade Facilitation Agreement.
- The US has argued that China and India — as large, upper-middle-income economies — should no longer benefit from S&DT flexibilities intended for poor developing countries.
- India counters that per-capita income and development indicators still justify S&DT: India's per-capita income (~$2,700 in 2024) remains far below developed country levels.
- S&DT in fisheries negotiations: India has sought longer transition periods and exemptions for small-scale artisanal fishermen from proposed subsidy disciplines.
- MC13 (February 2024) made limited progress on S&DT; the issue remains a central fault line at MC14.
● Tracked since March 22, 2026 · last seen July 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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