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The World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference

21 April 2026

Proposing MP
Chris Bryant Lab
Rhondda
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Department for Business and Trade
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TAGS
Business & Trade

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the outcomes and challenges faced during the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Cameroon.

Action Requested

The UK has committed to continuing the e-commerce moratorium between signatories until May, announced £13 million in technical assistance for developing economies, and will continue to drive WTO reform by addressing trade imbalances and establishing new rules on digital and environmental issues. The government also seeks a comprehensive e-commerce moratorium.

Key Facts

  • MC14 took place from Thursday 26 March to Sunday 29 March 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
  • Some procedural outcomes were agreed including recommitment to fisheries subsidies negotiations and SPS and TBT discussions moving to technical committees.
  • The e-commerce moratorium fell along with the NVSCs moratorium regarding TRIPS.
  • The UK has joined 22 other Members in continuing the E-Commerce moratorium until May's General Council meeting.
  • The UK was a key partner in securing the plurilateral Agreement on E-Commerce (ECA).
  • The ECA is projected to increase participants’ GDP by up to 0.43%.
  • The IFDA between 129 Members will make investment easier in developing countries, expected to increase global GDP by up to 1%.
  • £13 million was announced for technical assistance and capacity building support ahead of MC14.
  • £1 million has been committed to the WTO Fisheries Fund.
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