A group of 66 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed interim arrangements to implement the E-Commerce Agreement, marking the first global baseline for digital trade rules.
The deal, announced at the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference on Saturday (28 March), covers economies representing around 70% of global trade. It establishes a pathway for the agreement to enter into force while negotiations continue on full integration into WTO rules.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the agreement could lower costs and expand economic opportunities, highlighting digital trade as a driver of growth and job creation.
• Covers ~70% of global trade across 66 WTO members
• Digital transactions account for over 60% of global GDP
• Estimated US$159 billion in trade lost annually without the agreement
• Potential to boost global GDP by US$8.7 trillion by 2040
The agreement will enter into force once 45 members complete domestic ratification procedures.
ℹ️ WTO
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