Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Co-Chair of the Digital Trade Caucus, released the following statement on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) renewal of the e-commerce moratorium:

“I commend U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and the rest of the Biden administration’s strong leadership at the WTO on delivering a key victory for American workers and our economy. The renewal of this longstanding tariff prohibition will ensure Americans are protected from new fees on products from music streaming and video game downloads to emails and text messages to friends and family abroad. This agreement will also enable businesses of all sizes in Washington and across our country to continue to reach new customers outside our borders.”

Background

Since 1998, the U.S. and all other WTO members have agreed to not impose tariffs on electronic transmissions. The moratorium has consistently been extended at WTO ministerial conferences ever since. It covers electronic transmissions of both digital goods (e.g., e-books, music, movies, and video games) and digital services (e.g., software, emails, and text messages).

In January, DelBene and Representative Darin LaHood (IL-16), along with Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith (NE-03) and Ranking Member Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), led 30 House lawmakers to call on the administration to renew the moratorium.