WTO Members Gear Up for E-Commerce
Outcomes at MC14
At a 25
September meeting on the WTO Work Programme on E-Commerce, members signaled readiness to intensify talks ahead of the 14th
Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaoundé, Cameroon (26–29 March 2026).
Discussions focused on a possible draft ministerial decision covering
the work programme and the moratorium on customs duties for electronic
transmissions, due to expire at MC14 or 31 March 2026.
Facilitator
Ambassador Richard Brown (Jamaica) noted strong support among members for
continuing the moratorium, though some exceptions remain. Several members
expressed willingness to submit draft texts and start text-based negotiations,
stressing the importance of digital trade for economic growth.
Members
also reviewed plans to map technical assistance and capacity building (TACB)
programmes on digital trade, aiming to create a searchable database of
initiatives by members, international organizations, and development banks.
This effort is expected to enhance access and coordination for developing
countries.
Ambassador
Brown reminded members of the December 2025 deadline to advance issues
to MC14, urging early engagement to ensure smoother negotiations and deliver
meaningful outcomes for the global digital economy.
At
a meeting on the Work Programme on E-Commerce on 25 September, WTO members expressed
readiness to intensify discussions on e-commerce to achieve outcomes at the upcoming
14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). Members are preparing to consider proposals
on a draft ministerial decision on the work programme and the moratorium on the
imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions. Members also discussed
ongoing work to map technical assistance and capacity building programmes on digital
trade.
The
facilitator of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, Ambassador Richard Brown
of Jamaica, in summing up, noted that a group of members expressed at the meeting
their intention to submit a draft ministerial text. Several members said they looked
forward to starting text-based discussions, emphasizing that achieving a positive
outcome for the stability and development of digital trade remains a priority for
MC14, which will take place from 26 to 29 March in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Many
members also noted the calls made by stakeholders at the WTO Public Forum held on
17-18 September, including from business representatives, for the organization to
take action at MC14 to deliver tangible benefits in support of the digital economy.
Ambassador
Brown said he heard at the meeting a strong desire from most members for the work
programme and the moratorium to continue, noting also that there were some exceptions
among the membership. During the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13), held in
Abu Dhabi in early 2024, members had agreed to maintain the current practice of
not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until MC14 or 31 March 2026,
whichever is earlier.
"Let
me take this opportunity to recall that in my consultations in June many of you
emphasised the importance of engaging on the preparations for MC14 at an early stage,
on the basis of members' submissions, and to advance as much as possible the work
in Geneva," he said. He also noted that he stood ready to convene another dedicated
meeting to discuss any such proposals.
"Let
me also remind you of the December timeline for advancing issues to MC14. The General
Council Chair has conveyed to me the importance of keeping to this timeline and
ensuring that enough progress is made between now and December to facilitate a smoother
process towards MC14," he said.
Technical
assistance and capacity building (TACB) programmes on digital trade
Ambassador
Brown called on members to respond to a questionnaire to help map e-commerce-related
TACB initiatives, with the objective of developing a searchable database of existing
programmes provided by members, international organizations and development banks.
The effort is in line with suggestions from the membership to facilitate members'
access to TACB and enhance coordination among institutions.
Several
members affirmed their support for this effort and the publication of the resulting
information.