The World Trade Organisation is reported to have received several proposals to exempt small country economies from rules banning the use of subisidies.
A WTO officer, Emmanuelle Gaff, has told a seminar in Tonga on trade issues, that Tonga would be categorised as a small country along with Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Tonga Broadcasting says the proposal will be important to Tonga when it becomes a member next year.
Ms Gaff says the proposals are still being considered.
