African, Caribbean, and Pacific States Seek Extension of WTO Digital Duty Moratorium

A coalition of African, Caribbean, and Pacific nations has proposed extending the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) long-standing moratorium on customs duties for digital transmissions, according to a WTO document released on Thursday. The proposal, submitted by Barbados on behalf of the group, aims to prolong the current agreement—considered a cornerstone of global internet development—beyond its scheduled expiration in March 2026.

The document did not specify the duration of the proposed extension, merely stating it should last “until our next session.” The issue is set to be discussed at the WTO’s upcoming ministerial conference in Cameroon in March. The moratorium, first introduced in 1998, has enabled the growth of digital trade by preventing tariffs on online goods such as e-books, music, and video games.

However, the renewal of the moratorium has become increasingly contentious, with some developing nations opposing its continuation to gain leverage in broader trade negotiations. Despite the debate, supporters argue that maintaining duty-free digital trade is essential for fostering innovation and supporting the global digital economy.

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