U.S. quietly pays $25 million in WTO dues after eight-month freeze

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has secretly paid $25 million in overdue membership fees to the World Trade Organization (WTO) after an eight-month pause, Financial Times reported.

The outlet cited a letter to WTO staff stating that the United States “is no longer subject to administrative measures.” A White House spokesperson confirmed the payment but declined to specify the amount.

Earlier, Washington had frozen regular payments to several international bodies, including the WTO and the OECD, as part of a broader review of U.S. funding commitments.

The WTO placed the U.S. under “administrative measures” in March after it failed to pay its 2024 dues, which totalled $25.7 million.

Experts said the payment, despite Trump’s sharp criticism of the WTO, signals Washington’s intent to retain leverage and influence within the organization.