Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM)

The Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (ASCM) is an international treaty that sets rules for how countries can provide financial support to their industries without unfairly harming competitors. It defines what counts as a subsidy, ensures transparency, and outlines procedures for investigating and addressing unfair subsidies that distort trade. The goal is to promote free and fair trade by preventing practices that give producers an unfair advantage, while allowing countries to support their economies within agreed limits.