Over 60 WTO co-sponsors of the E-Commerce Agreement met on 9 June 2026 to advance ratification preparations, targeting mid-2027 entry into force. The ECA constitutes the first global baseline ruleset for digital trade and was adopted under interim arrangements at MC14, pending formal incorporation into the WTO rulebook.
Topic Archives:Digital Trade
EU and Korea sign landmark digital trade agreement at summit
The EU and Republic of Korea signed a Digital Trade Agreement at the EU-Korea Summit in Brussels. The agreement represents a significant bilateral digital trade deal between the two parties.
UK-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Trade Deal: Conclusion Summary
The UK government has published a conclusion summary outlining the provisions and chapters of the newly concluded UK-GCC free trade agreement. The document covers the full scope of the deal’s trade policy content across multiple chapters. This marks a significant bilateral trade agreement between the UK and the six GCC member states.
WTO Members Advance Discussions on Key Issues for Unlocking Services Trade
The WTO Council for Trade in Services met June 2-4 to discuss future work areas including e-commerce services, green services economy, and LDC participation in services trade. Members agreed to hold a dedicated workshop on recognition of foreign professionals’ qualifications. Discussions also covered facilitating greater LDC integration into global services trade.
Indonesia’s Trade Minister Signs Revised Regulation on Electronic Commerce Business (Permendag 31/2023 Revision)
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso signed a revised ministerial regulation on Electronic Commerce (e-commerce) business activities, replacing Permendag No. 31/2023 which covered licensing, advertising, and oversight of e-commerce operators. The revision focuses on strengthening the digital trade ecosystem and competitiveness of local products.
Indonesian Trade Minister Signs Revised E-Commerce Regulation
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso signed a revised ministerial regulation on electronic commerce (PMSE), replacing Permendag No. 31/2023. The revision includes prioritization of local products and SMEs in e-commerce platforms. The regulation governs business licensing and operations for electronic trading systems.
ASEAN Concludes Historic Negotiations for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement
ASEAN has concluded negotiations for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark plurilateral deal covering digital trade among member states. The agreement represents a significant policy outcome for the region’s digital economy governance. The Philippine DTI announced the conclusion via its official news channel.
Singapore calls for greater collaboration at APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting 2026
At the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting 2026, Singapore called for Asia-Pacific collaboration to keep supply chains open, strengthen the WTO, and advance digital trade. The statement covers three substantive policy areas: supply chain resilience, multilateral trading system support, and digital trade facilitation. No further details are available from the snippet.
Singapore and ASEAN Member States Conclude Negotiations on Landmark ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)
Singapore and ASEAN member states have concluded negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional agreement covering digital trade. The agreement represents a significant plurilateral outcome for the bloc’s digital economy integration. Specific provisions likely cover cross-border data flows, digital trade facilitation, and related digital economy measures.
Global Trade Takes a Digital Leap with eATA Rollout in 30 Countries
The WCO and ICC have launched the digital ATA Carnet (eATA) across 30 countries to facilitate the temporary admission of goods. The eATA replaces paper-based carnets, streamlining customs procedures for goods temporarily imported for trade fairs, professional equipment, and similar purposes. This represents a significant multilateral customs facilitation measure with direct implications for cross-border trade […]