ICC - International Chamber of Commerce

03/16/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/16/2026 07:22

Global Business Statement surpasses 200 business organisations urging WTO reform and Moratorium renewal

Multilateral trade

Global Business Statement surpasses 200 business organisations urging WTO reform and Moratorium renewal

  • 16 March 2026

Two weeks ahead of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference, over 209 business organisations have already joined the call for a time-bound WTO reform process and the renewal of the e-Commerce Moratorium. With additional organisations expected to sign on in the coming days, the rapidly growing coalition underscores the urgency felt across the business community as governments prepare to take critical decisions at MC14.

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With the World Trade Organization's 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon commencing in just two weeks, the Global Business Statement on WTO reform and renewal of the e-Commerce Moratorium has surpassed 209 signatories.

The surge reflects the strong and unified support from business organisations around the world that MC14 must be used as a catalyst for system reform and a measure to safeguard a digital economy that is open and affordable for everyone.

The Statement calls on ministers to agree on a structured and time-bound plan to reform the WTO, recognising that a functioning, modern multilateral trading system is essential for economic stability, investment confidence and sustainable growth.

Business groups stress that restoring the WTO's negotiation, deliberation and dispute settlement functions is indispensable to ensure that the institution remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Another key priority identified in the Statement is the renewal of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions - a longstanding WTO member commitment that prevents governments from imposing tariffs on digital transmissions such as cloud-based tools, digital content and data flows.

Business warns that allowing the e-Commerce Moratorium to lapse would introduce new uncertainty into global trade and risk undermining the ability of businesses - and in particular micro- small- and medium-sized (MSME) businesses - to participate in cross-border e-commerce.

Are you a representative of a chamber of commerce or business association? Join our Global Business Statement

Associations and chambers of commerce that wish to add their organisation as a signatory to the Global Business Statement are invited to contact [email protected].

The process is simple. Via a short form, organisations will be invited to confirm to be publicly listed as a signatory. No logo or physical signature is required.

See the 209 business organisations who have already joined the Global Business Statement

Related publications and resources

See ICC's Call for Action for MC14 and resources on why a well-functioning WTO is key to business and the global economy:

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ICC - International Chamber of Commerce published this content on March 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 16, 2026 at 13:22 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]