No End in Sight for Information Tech Deal at WTO as Talks Collapse
Negotiations to expand the Information Technology Agreement collapsed on Dec. 12, but U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization Michael Punke applauded concessions made through the talks and urged all parties to the agreement to consider the next move (here). The U.S. and China announced a breakthrough in the ITA expansion talks in November that supporters say would remove duties on a range of high-tech tariff lines (see 1411110006). That deal appeared to fall short of demands from other ITA parties, which number roughly 80 in total, according to a statement given by U.S. Ambassador to the WTO Michael Punke on Dec. 12.
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“In our disappointment at not reaching a deal, we should not fail to recognize those who made great efforts this week towards a deal. In particular, I would note the flexibility shown by Costa Rica, Malaysia, Israel, Guatemala, and [South] Korea,” said Punke. “Through the consultations over the last few weeks, it became clear that certain Members had important interests that were not fully captured by the bilateral agreement. And those members came a long way toward accepting 99% of that agreement, but asked that small adjustments be made in order to be able to accept the deal.” The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not respond for further comment. The National Association of Manufacturers and many other industry groups also lamented the collapse. WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo encouraged ITA members to get back to the negotiating table (here).