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The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU) is deeply concerned by World Trade Organization members’ failure to reach agreement on the moratorium on E-Commerce at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon. The absence of an agreement undermines legal certainty for businesses and consumers worldwide. This deadlock further underscores the need for significant WTO reform.

Since its introduction, the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions has played a vital role in enabling the global digital economy by ensuring the smooth cross-border exchange of digital goods and services. In an increasingly digitalised global economy, predictability remains essential for companies of all sizes operating across borders.

WTO members must now renew efforts to re-instate the moratorium at the next General Council meeting as a matter of priority. Delivering such an outcome would strengthen the multilateral trading system and better reflect the realities of modern trade.

On Thursday, 26 March, Kim Watts, Policy Director, AmCham EU joined a panel discussion on trade, e-commerce and supply chains in a fragmenting global economy. The discussion covered a wide range of issues, including the state of global trade, transatlantic relations and economic security. Speakers explored why open trade plays a critical role in Europe's competitiveness.

On Wednesday, 25 March, Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU spoke at the EU-US Young Leaders Summit in a seminar organised by Fulbright and the German Marshall Fund, focused on business leadership in times of economic disruption. Mr Lohan underlined that companies are operating in an increasingly complex environment, shaped by geopolitical tensions and diverging EU and US policy approaches. He also stressed the importance of a strong transatlantic economy and called for a pragmatic approach that supports cooperation and avoids further fragmentation.