The World Trade Organisation chief has announced he will step down on August 31, a year before his term ends, despite the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging the global economy.

Roberto Azevedo said it had been a “personal decision” reached with his family, and stressed that he was not leaving to pursue “political opportunities”.

“This is a decision that I do not take lightly,” Azevedo told member state representatives, according to a written version of his speech.

Azevedo's early departure will come at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has pushed the global economy and international trade into turmoil, facing downturns not seen since the Great Depression.