South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has made a resounding call for the global community to reinforce the multilateral trading system as rising unilateralism and protectionist policies threaten to upend decades of trade cooperation.

Speaking during a virtual address marking the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ramaphosa emphasized that the current international trade environment is facing unprecedented pressure from powerful economies retreating from globally agreed rules.

The 30th anniversary of the establishment of the WTO takes place in challenging and uncertain times.” Said Ramaphosa. “We are seeing unilateral and protectionist measures being implemented by some advanced economies that are outside the agreed-upon multilateral framework.”

His remarks follow the controversial move by former U.S. President Donald Trump to implement a 90-day pause on tariffs affecting dozens of countries a decision seen by many as a rollback of free trade commitments.

President Ramaphosa warned that without decisive action to bolster multilateralism, the WTO’s ability to ensure a fair and predictable trade environment could be severely compromised.

The WTO is called upon to assert its role in ensuring that global trade works for all." He said, calling for urgent reforms that place development at the center of the organization’s future.

He also stressed the importance of consensus-based decision-making and called on the WTO to stay true to its founding principles.

“As South Africa, we wish the WTO well on this anniversary. Working together as the international community, let us continue our efforts to build a global trading system that is inclusive, equitable, and truly serves the needs of all nations,” Ramaphosa concluded.

His call adds to growing voices from the Global South demanding that trade rules serve as tools for shared prosperity, not as instruments of dominance.