E-commerce

WTO reform deadlocked over e-commerce stand-off

Talks to reform the World Trade Organization reached a deadlock last week in Yaoundé, Cameroon amid a stand-off between Brazil and the US over e-commerce tariffs.

The two countries clashed over how long to extend the E-Commerce Moratorium, a 28-year-old agreement that prevents tariffs being levied on electronic transmissions such as streaming and digital services. The US was seeking a permanent extension of the agreement at the Yaoundé meeting.

The Moratorium had long been a source of growing unease, especially among developing countries fearful that it may prevent them from developing their own digital economies.

Negotiations are expected to continue. But failure to extend the agreement will allow countries to start imposing tariffs on digital services.

Photo credits: WTO

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Talks to reform the World Trade Organization reached a deadlock last week in Yaoundé, Cameroon amid a stand-off between Brazil and the US over e-commerce tariffs.

The two countries clashed over how long to extend the E-Commerce Moratorium, a 28-year-old agreement that prevents tariffs being levied on electronic transmissions such as streaming and digital services. The US was seeking a permanent extension of the agreement at the Yaoundé meeting.

The Moratorium had long been a source of growing unease, especially among developing countries fearful that it may prevent them from developing their own digital economies.

Negotiations are expected to continue. But failure to extend the agreement will allow countries to start imposing tariffs on digital services.

Photo credits: WTO