economy
WTO talks near deal on reform roadmap amid U.S.-India e-commerce deadlock: Reuters
The talks at a WTO meeting in Cameroon include efforts to bridge differences between the U.S. and India over extending the e-commerce moratorium.
TL;DR
- Trade ministers are close to agreeing on a WTO reform plan.
- Wrangling continues over extending the moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions.
- The U.S. and India have differences regarding the extension of the e-commerce moratorium.
- A new draft reform roadmap includes timelines and key issues such as improving decision-making and trade benefits for developing countries.
- The U.S. and EU are pushing for more transparent subsidy rules and easier decision-taking within the WTO.
- India is blocking plurilateral agreements that risk eroding WTO founding principles.
- A potential four-year extension for the e-commerce moratorium is being considered.
- Business leaders emphasize the importance of extending the moratorium for predictability and securing U.S. support for the WTO.