GENEVA (AP) -- The World Trade Organization says there has been "significant slippage" into protectionism since the beginning of the year which could strangle any global economic recovery.
Director-General Pascal Lamy says in a report to WTO members that countries are erecting tariffs and barriers to imports.
He says that the world needs to avoid restrictions on trade if stimulus packages and other economic recovery plans are to work.
The report warns that protectionism could "strangle international trade and undercut the effectiveness of policies" to boost demand and growth.
The Associated Press obtained the report Thursday.
Protectionism will be discussed when 20 of the world's leading economic powers meet in London next week.