Global tech on edge as WTO weighs ecommerce tariffs

Geneva: The global technology industry is pressing the World Trade Organization to exempt data flows from cross-border tariffs, saying a failure to do so would undermine a global recovery already threatened by spiralling prices.

The WTO’s 164 members will present their views on the topic on Wednesday, the final scheduled day of a four-day ministerial conference.

Keisal Peters, trade minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who is leading discussions, said at the conference that divergences remained. As time ran out, WTO members should consider meeting halfway, he added.