The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) continues to be a critical platform for addressing global trade rules that directly impact small-scale fishers and coastal communities worldwide. As negotiations intensify in Geneva, significant progress has been made on the long-awaited Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, while e-commerce discussions remain contentious. The World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFFP) closely monitors these developments, as outcomes will shape the future of sustainable fisheries, digital trade, and policy space for developing nations.
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Nears Completion – Indonesia Stands Alone
A Ministerial Declaration on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement has already been drafted in Geneva, marking a major milestone in the WTO’s efforts to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity. Out of the WTO’s 166 member countries, only Indonesia has not yet agreed to the text.
Indonesia’s position centers on the integration of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) into the agreement. The country has proposed that UNCLOS provisions should apply exclusively to countries that have ratified the convention. This proposal has not yet received approval from other member states. WTO members are currently exploring alternatives, including possible changes to the language of the agreement, to address Indonesia’s concerns while preserving the integrity of the deal.
The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement remains one of the most important outcomes expected from MC14 for the global fishing community. Once finalized, it will represent the first WTO agreement dedicated exclusively to environmental sustainability in the fisheries sector.
E-Commerce: US Demands Permanent Moratorium as Indonesia Holds Firm
Parallel to the fisheries talks, e-commerce negotiations have emerged as a major sticking point. The United States has made it clear that it will not support any broader agreements at MC14 unless a permanent e-commerce moratorium is secured. This moratorium, which prevents WTO members from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions, has become a non-negotiable demand for Washington.
Despite the US position, a Ministerial Declaration on e-commerce is still expected. However, Indonesia continues to hold out, refusing to endorse the declaration without further clarity and safeguards. This stance reflects broader concerns among developing countries about the long-term implications of locking in digital trade rules without adequate policy flexibility.
Digital Trade Committee and Extension Proposals
Negotiators have also pushed for the establishment of a Digital Trade Committee (CDT). At present, the proposal remains vague, with unclear terms of reference and direction. Indonesia has expressed interest in potentially joining the committee to exert internal influence, but it has placed its participation on hold until the scope and objectives are better defined.
On the moratorium itself, positions among key developing countries vary:
– India has indicated willingness to accept a two-year extension of the current e-commerce moratorium.
– South Africa has signaled support for a four-year extension.
Both India and South Africa have linked their support for any e-commerce extension to the simultaneous extension of the permanent TRIPS Non-Violation and Situation Complaints (NVC) moratorium. This linkage underscores the interconnected nature of WTO negotiations, where progress on digital trade is often tied to flexibilities in intellectual property rules.
Meanwhile, India remains the only country rejecting a permanent moratorium on digital taxes, maintaining its position that governments must retain the sovereign right to tax digital services and platforms.
Implications for Small-Scale Fishers and Developing Countries
The WFFP views these negotiations as vital for protecting the livelihoods of millions of small-scale fishers who depend on healthy marine ecosystems. A robust Fisheries Subsidies Agreement could help level the playing field by disciplining subsidies that favor large-scale industrial fleets. At the same time, e-commerce and digital trade rules must not undermine the policy space needed by coastal communities and developing nations to regulate digital markets in ways that support local economies and food security.
WFFP will continue to engage with member states and civil society partners to ensure that the final outcomes of MC14 reflect the realities faced by fish harvesters and fish workers on the ground. We urge all WTO members to prioritize consensus on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement while addressing legitimate concerns around e-commerce and digital taxation.
Stay tuned to the WFFP website for further updates as MC14 progresses. Together, we advocate for trade rules that sustain both our oceans and our communities.