WTO Talks See Sharp Divide On E-Commerce Duty Moratorium: Report

New Delhi, Mar 30 (KNN) Deep divisions have surfaced at the ongoing World Trade Organisation (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference in Cameroon, particularly over the extension of the e-commerce moratorium on customs duties, think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said over the weekend.

According to GTRI, the United States is pushing for a permanent extension of the moratorium, while India and other developing nations oppose it, citing revenue losses and reduced policy flexibility. 

The think tank noted, "The sharpest divide is there over the e-commerce moratorium on customs duties. A temporary compromise of 2-4 years appears the most likely outcome," PTI reported.

The third day of the conference in Yaounde is proving crucial, with discussions spanning fisheries subsidies, investment facilitation, e-commerce, and agriculture.

Pressure on India Over Investment Pact

Pressure on India is expected to rise over the China-backed Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement during closed-door “green room” talks. 

GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava said, "India's concern is less about the pact itself than the precedent it sets, opening the door to plurilateral deals that once embedded within the WTO, act as Trojan horses' gradually reshaping the institution's multilateral character."

Limited Progress, Uncertain Outcome

Limited progress is expected on fisheries subsidies due to persistent disagreements. 

Srivastava warned that ongoing tensions across key issues could result in either a modest compromise or expose deeper structural divisions within the WTO.

(KNN Bureau)