Electronic Commerce and the World Trade Organization
State of play ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference
E-commerce now constitutes a core pillar of the global economy, with digital activities accounting for an expanding share of global GDP. As governments deepen cooperation to shape the rules governing digital trade, the World Trade Organization (WTO) remains the central forum for addressing emerging policy challenges and advancing international rulemaking.
Key Messages
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At the multilateral level, WTO members face a pivotal decision at MC14 on the future of the e-commerce moratorium and the broader work program, including whether to renew, make permanent, or allow the expected expiry.
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At the plurilateral level, technical negotiations have concluded, but efforts to integrate the potential Agreement on E-Commerce into the WTO framework remain contentious, with no clear consensus yet in sight.
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Many developing countries are continuing to weigh whether to join the e-commerce JSI, making needs assessments essential to evaluate readiness, clarify development benefits, and secure the support required for effective implementation.
This report provides a state-of-play update of the two main e-commerce tracks at the WTO: the multilateral Work Programme on Electronic Commerce—including debates on the future of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions—and the plurilateral Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on electronic commerce, where a coalition of members has been negotiating new disciplines aimed at fostering an open, predictable, and trusted digital trade environment. Focusing on developments in 2024 and 2025, the report identifies key issues, areas of convergence and divergence, and the milestones ahead of the Fourteenth WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14). It also outlines the expected elements of the potential Agreement on Electronic Commerce. This publication forms part of a broader series tracking the evolution of e-commerce discussions at the WTO to support policy-makers and negotiators navigating this rapidly evolving field.
This report was prepared with financial support from the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida).
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