WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President and Head of International John Murphy released the following statement urging the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make its longstanding e-commerce custom duties moratorium permanent.

"The U.S. and other governments are right to pursue a permanent e-commerce moratorium at the WTO. The practice of relitigating this issue every two years has created unnecessary uncertainty for American businesses and our trading partners, and it puts at risk a foundational principle of the digital economy.

"Since the moratorium was first enacted in 1998, it has helped fuel the explosive growth of the digital economy, benefiting businesses of all sizes and consumers around the world. American companies have been able to deliver software, data, entertainment, and digital services across borders without the threat of discriminatory customs duties, supporting millions of U.S. jobs.

"Thanks to the moratorium, consumers globally have enjoyed lower prices and greater access to innovative products and services. It is time to end the cycle of short-term extensions and lock in this critical commitment on a permanent basis."