World Trade Organization (WTO) members struck a deal to add more than 200 products to the list of goods covered by zero-tariff and duty-free trade.
In value terms, the deal cuts tariffs on 1 trillion US dollar worth of information technology (IT) products, which is equal to global trade in iron, steel, textiles and clothing combined.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The deal was agreed as part of need to update the 18-year old Information Technology Agreement (ITA) as it has become redundant.
Products added range from advanced computer chips to GPS devices, medical equipment, printer cartridges and video-game consoles.
Effects of the Decision
- This decision will give a major boost to producers of goods ranging from video games to medical equipment.
- Technology manufacturers such as General Electric, Intel, Texas Instruments, Microsoft and Nintendo are among the many companies expected to benefit from the deal.
About the ‘Information Technology Agreement’?
- The Information Technology Agreement was finalized in 1997 and covered 80 WTO members.
- Efforts to expand the coverage of this agreement were launched in 2012.
- The final technical details will be worked out until December 2015.
