No breakthrough at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cameroon
Bern, 30.03.2026 — The 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14) came to a close in Yaoundé, Cameroon early on Monday morning. The difficult situation in international trade dominated the discussions; no fundamental policy decisions were taken regarding the ongoing reform work. However, some WTO members decided to implement the negotiated agreement on e-commerce. The Swiss delegation was headed by State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The WTO is facing profound challenges. Although its members agree that the multilateral trade system is in urgent need of reform, they were unable to agree on a joint work programme. Nor could the moratorium on e-commerce – which is of great importance to the Swiss export sector – be extended, as it has been until now. This moratorium has meant that duties are not imposed on digital downloads of software, music or films.
Nevertheless, 66 WTO members – including Switzerland – have decided to implement the plurilateral e-commerce agreement that had already been negotiated. This gives businesses and consumers greater legal certainty and reliability in the digital marketplace. Participating countries commit to a permanent ban on customs duties on electronic transmissions.
Nor was progress made on the planned modernisation of agricultural trade rules – a key priority for many WTO members. However, a group of 12 members, including Switzerland, agreed to pursue dialogue within the WTO framework on new issues relating to sustainable agriculture and international trade.
Switzerland is disappointed by the overall outcome of MC14, as the hoped-for impetus for WTO reform at ministerial level once again failed to materialise. It will continue to work closely with all members who are committed to reform and wish to drive forward the necessary modernisation of the WTO.