Extension of WTO E-Commerce Moratorium
On February 26-29, the World Trade Organization’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi extended the longstanding moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, known as the “WTO e-commerce moratorium,” until the MC14 or March 31, 2026, whichever comes first. The members agreed to further discuss the moratorium’s impact on development and address disparities for developing and least-developed countries in digital industrialization. Indonesia, India and South Africa have expressed concerns about the moratorium. Currently, only Indonesia has a regulation to impose duties on digital goods, but it aligns with zero tariffs under the moratorium. On behalf of industry, US-ABC joined other associations in supporting the extension of the moratorium.