WTO Welcomes Argentina’s Acceptance of Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, Moving Closer to Entry into Force
Geneva, 22 July 2025 – The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced today that Argentina has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, a significant step forward in the global effort to curb harmful fishing practices and promote sustainable fisheries management. This crucial acceptance brings the landmark agreement closer to its entry into force, requiring only five more ratifications from WTO members.
The Agreement, adopted in June 2022 at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), represents a monumental achievement in multilateral trade negotiations. Its primary objective is to eliminate subsidies that contribute to overcapacity, overfishing, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, thereby protecting the health of our oceans and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Argentina’s decision to ratify the agreement underscores its commitment to responsible fisheries governance and its recognition of the vital role that sustainable fishing plays in both environmental protection and economic development. As a nation with extensive coastlines and a significant fishing industry, Argentina’s endorsement is particularly impactful.
The Agreement prohibits subsidies that contribute to overfished stocks, subsidies for fishing on the high seas in areas without applicable conservation and management measures, and subsidies for IUU fishing. It also includes provisions for special and differential treatment for developing country members and least-developed country members, acknowledging their unique circumstances and capacities.
With Argentina’s acceptance, the total number of WTO members that have ratified the Agreement now stands at a considerable figure, demonstrating broad-based support for its objectives. However, for the Agreement to officially enter into force, it requires acceptance by two-thirds of the WTO membership. The WTO continues to engage with members to encourage further ratifications, with the aim of bringing this critical agreement into effect as soon as possible.
The entry into force of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies will be a pivotal moment in international cooperation for sustainable development. It will provide a robust legal framework to address one of the most pressing environmental and economic challenges of our time, ensuring that fish stocks are managed sustainably for future generations and that fishing activities contribute positively to global food security and economic well-being. The WTO expresses its sincere appreciation to Argentina for its timely acceptance and looks forward to welcoming further ratifications from its members.
Argentina accepts Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, five remaining for entry into force
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