Trump's WTO U-Turn: From Tariffs to Quiet Engagement Amid Global Trade Tensions

• A year after imposing "Liberation Day" tariffs, Donald Trump's administration is signaling renewed engagement with the WTO, despite past challenges to its rules.
• The shift comes as trade ministers meet in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to revive the struggling global trade system, with the US seeking reforms.
• Washington's past actions, including withholding funding and crippling the appeals system, have strained trust among WTO members.
• Despite skepticism, the US is backing reforms, including challenging the "most favored nation" principle and supporting flexible trade deals.
• The US has quietly paid $25 million in overdue dues and appointed a new WTO envoy, signaling a degree of interest in the organization's future.