YAOUND, March 30, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Crunch WTO talks in Yaounde failed to agree an extension of a years-long moratorium exempting e-commerce from customs duties, dealing a setback to developed countries and to Washington in particular.

The moratorium, which has been renewed every two years since it was introduced in 1998, is now set to lapse on Monday.

Its expiration does not automatically trigger duties on digital trade, since WTO members can continue to individually choose not to impose customs duties on online goods and services ranging from e-books and music to telemedicine.