Negotiations to reform the World Trade Organization and address tariffs on electronic transmissions concluded Sunday without a resolution. Diplomats reported no breakthrough as talks entered their final day.
A key sticking point was extending a ban on e-commerce tariffs, ultimately failing at the 14th ministerial conference due to opposition from at least one member to making the moratorium permanent. Discussions centered on a potential five-year extension, but progress stalled.
The US and Brazil exchanged accusations of obstructing an agreement regarding taxes on international online trade. Brazil’s objection has limited extensions to beyond two years, contributing to a period of prolonged deadlock within the WTO.