Without the Appellate Body, panels could still hear cases, but losing parties could appeal to the now-defunct body, effectively freezing disputes. The U.S.-Vietnam case was steered toward settlement, partially due to this procedural gridlock.
Unresolved Questions
Neither the U.S. nor Vietnam responded to requests for comment on Wednesday, leaving questions about the specifics of the agreement. However, the resolution highlights the growing necessity for alternative solutions to trade disputes amid the WTO’s ongoing challenges.
