Despite extended talks, WTO negotiators in Abu Dhabi failed to reach agreements on major reforms. They did agree to extend a moratorium on tariffs on digital goods until the next ministerial conference, but discussions on e-commerce were stalled by countries like India and South Africa. Disagreements also persisted on dispute settlement, with the WTO’s top […]
What was agreed at WTO negotiations in Abu Dhabi?
The meeting of the highest decision-making body of the WTO, which was supposed to conclude on Thursday, entered the fifth day on Friday with key members, including India, the US and EU, holding talks to iron out differences on issues such as agriculture, fisheries subsidies, WTO reforms and duty moratorium on e-commerce trade.
The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Abu Dhabi concluded without a decision on a permanent solution for public stockholding of food. The conference also failed to reach a consensus on fishery subsidies. However, the WTO extended the moratorium on e-commerce transmissions by two years. Despite efforts to resolve differences on […]
A revised text on agriculture circulated in the afternoon offered two options either adopting a permanent solution at the MC13 or members intensify negotiations at the committee of agriculture to arrive at a permanent solution for food security purposes available to all developing country members.
India calls for re-examination of customs duties moratorium on e-commerce at WTO. Developing countries losing $10 billion annually. India opposes extension, facing $500 million loss each year. Policy options needed for digital industrialisation. Discussions at 13th Ministerial Conference.
“Members are indicating that additional time will be needed to iron out some of the outstanding issues,” said an official, adding that, for this reason, the informal meeting of heads of delegation and the formal closing session were postponed to Friday.
India’s basmati rice exports are expected to decrease in 2024 due to increased competition from Pakistan, which is offering the grain at more competitive prices. In 2023, India’s basmati rice exports reached 4.9 million metric tons, just shy of the record high in 2020, leading to record revenue of $5.4 billion. However, Pakistan’s increased production […]
No consensus on fish subsidies at WTO talks
2 years ago
At the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, no consensus was reached on fisheries subsidies. India seeks special treatment and complete exemption for its small scale and artisanal fishermen. The negotiations are deadlocked and a meaningful agreement is needed.
India criticizes the Global North’s hidden agenda of using non-tariff barriers for market access. It urges the WTO to address services trade and mobility issues while emphasizing free trade and addressing the disparity in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
India emphasizes restoring the appellate body as the top priority in the WTO dispute settlement system reform. New Delhi proposes a three-point action plan, opposes the EU’s MPIA proposal, and calls for formalizing ongoing informal discussions. Disputes can be settled through adjudication or a mutually agreed solution.