WTO head steps down a year early as downturn looms

The head of the World Trade Organization, Mr Roberto Azevedo, has said he will step down a year earlier than planned.

Azevedo’s surprise departure comes as the WTO faces the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and criticism from US president Donald Trump.

Global trade has slumped and the world is braced for the worst downturn since the great depression.

Meanwhile, US president, Donald Trump has accused the body of treating America unfairly.

Mr Azevedo said his early departure as the WTO’s director-general was a personal decision that was in the best interest of the organisation.