WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) Vice President for Global Trade Policy Tiffany Smith today issued a statement in response to the conclusion of the World Trade Organization (WTO) 14th meeting of the Ministerial Conference (MC14) on Monday without action on several key priorities:
“It is disappointing that despite Ambassador Greer and USTR’s efforts, and strong support across WTO members, a handful of countries succeeded in blocking agreement on several key outcomes, including a long-term extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, the e-commerce work program, and the ministerial declaration and work program on WTO reform.
“With global AI adoption and digital economy issues taking on increasing importance, a lapse in the moratorium and e-commerce work plan leaves the WTO on the sidelines at exactly the wrong moment.
“The inability to reach a unanimous consensus on extending the moratorium and work program, despite strong momentum, underscores the urgent need for the WTO to make progress on a reform agenda that prevents one or two countries from blocking initiatives that are in the interest of a majority of members.
“While we are encouraged that supporters of the E-Commerce Agreement are moving ahead to implement these obligations, it is unfortunate – but understandable – that they have had to seek a path outside of the WTO. This further underscores the importance of reform efforts so that the WTO remains a viable forum for negotiating new agreements on important issues.
“We are encouraged by the Director General’s guidance to re-engage on these issues in Geneva and urge negotiators to get back to the table so that a resolution of these issues can be reached quickly.”
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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade, tax, national security and supply chain policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses, who account for over $6 trillion in revenue and employ nearly 6 million people in the United States.
