E-commerce and other digital technologies are revolutionizing trade, transforming how goods, services and intellectual property are produced and distributed across borders.
WTO work is ongoing on how to ensure that benefits of e-commerce and digital technologies are broadly shared and challenges can be addressed in a globally coordinated manner.
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Latest facts and figures
year-on-year growth of AI-enabling goods in value terms in the first half of 2026, compared to 31% in 2025
of total global trade growth in the first half of 2026 was driven by AI-enabling goods, compared to 43% in 2025
of exports of AI enabling goods are concentrated in ten economies
WTO members examine trade-related aspects of e-commerce and digital technologies in various WTO bodies. From 1998 to early 2026, the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce helped coordinate efforts to explore the relationship between existing WTO agreements and e-commerce. In the absence of a decision at the 14th Ministerial Conference in March 2026 to renew the Work Programme and the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions, members are discussing pathways forward including through consultations with the General Council chairperson.
Beginning on 8 May 2026, a group of WTO members committed in a communication to not impose customs duties on electronic transmissions among themselves.
Participants in the e-commerce joint initiative concluded the negotiations of an Agreement on Electronic Commerce (ECA) in 2024. The ECA establishes baseline rules for global digital trade and, as a plurilateral agreement, is open to all WTO members to join.
Digital technologies are shaping the way we work and trade, creating opportunities but also risks. International organizations can play an important role in promoting a regulatory and policy framework that encourages the deployment of frontier technologies, such as AI and blockchain, while mitigating potential risks. This page provides an overview of discussions and activities on frontier technologies at the WTO and links to relevant resources.
The WTO's technical assistance activities can help WTO members better understand e-commerce issues and improve their capacity to engage in e-commerce discussions taking place at the WTO. The WTO has also partnered with other organizations to respond to members' specific needs and priorities.