Top US Trade Official Criticizes WTO After Breakdown in Talks
The US trade chief has slammed the World Trade Organization's failure to reach agreement on an important e-commerce moratorium, casting doubt on the international body's future role.
Washington - The United States has sharply criticized the World Trade Organization (WTO) after it failed to reach a consensus on extending a key e-commerce moratorium, with the top US trade official questioning the global body's limited role going forward.
The comments from US Trade Representative Katherine Tai came after WTO members were unable to agree on prolonging a two-decade-old ban on customs duties on electronic transmissions, a measure seen as critical for the growth of digital trade and services.
Tai said the breakdown in negotiations highlighted the WTO's inability to deliver results, and she suggested the US may pursue other avenues to advance its trade interests beyond the Geneva-based organization.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: Deutsche Welle
