TradeExperettes is examining the gender impact of the WTO´s moratorium on the imposition of customs duties on electronic transmissions.

TradeExperettes, is a network of women trade experts from around the world.  It notes that while research has been done on the economic and broader social impact of the moratorium, this has not considered its effects on the quality of life and livelihoods of women. In the next few months, TradeExperettes will be holding a series of webinars for women business owners participating in the global digital economy, especially women at the head of SMEs. At the end of May, the group will be holding a webinar on Latin America and the Caribbean; and in June for Africa and Asia and the Pacific. TradeExperettes has invited Karen Nadasen to speak from EFSA at the June meeting. Details will be available for our May edition of the Newsletter.

WTO members are discussing the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions. In the fourth of a series of dedicated discussions held this year under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce (JSI), members highlighted the need for more exchanges on issue of the ecommerce moratorium, focusing in particular on its definition, scope, and implications on developing countries.

Meanwhile, in SA one of the trade unions involved in the Nedac Trade and Industry Committee indicated that it may support the continuation of the moratorium. EFSA wrote to the Union outlining why we believe the moratorium is very important for developing countries.

The WTO Moratorium is an issue this Newsletter has covered frequently in the past.