Brazil and US clash over WTO e-commerce duty extension

Negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Cameroon have reached a stalemate as Brazil and the United States remain deadlocked over the extension of a moratorium on e-commerce customs duties. The long-standing agreement, which prohibits tariffs on digital transmissions such as software downloads and streaming services, is scheduled to expire in March.

While a broader package of institutional reforms appears to be gaining traction, diplomats indicate that the e-commerce issue is the primary hurdle. The U.S. and its allies are advocating for a four-year extension with an additional buffer year, potentially securing the moratorium until 2031. Brazil, however, has resisted this timeline, proposing a more limited two-year renewal.