Glossary on free trade agreements and health part 1: the shift from multilateralism and the rise of 'WTO-Plus' provisions

The global trading system has undergone a shift away from multilateral trade negotiations to a 'spaghetti-bowl' of regional and bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). In this two-part glossary, we discuss why this shift has occurred, focusing on how it poses new challenges for public health. Specifically, we introduce key terms that shape this new trading environment and explain them through a public health lens. Part 1 of this glossary focuses on provisions in FTAs that build on previous agreements of the World Trade Organization (WTO). These provisions are commonly designated as 'WTO-Plus'. This approach continues into part 2 of the glossary, which also considers components of FTAs that have no precedent within WTO treaties. Following a broader discussion of how the current political context and the COVID-19 pandemic shape the contemporary trade environment, part 2 considers the main areas of trade and health policy incoherence as well as recommendations to address them.

Automated summary

The global trading system is shifting from multilateral trade negotiations to regional and bilateral free trade agreements, posing new challenges for public health. Key terms are introduced and explained to highlight the impact of FTA provisions and the current political context along with the COVID-19 pandemic on contemporary trade environment.