A high-stakes meeting of the World Trade Organization in Yaoundé has ended without agreement after deep divisions among member states derailed negotiations on key global trade issues.

The deadlock was triggered when Brazil opposed a proposal backed by the United States and other developed nations to extend a long-standing moratorium on customs duties for digital trade, including downloads and streaming services.

Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the intense efforts made during the talks, which stretched over four days and included overnight negotiations. Despite initial optimism around a possible compromise on reform, the talks ultimately collapsed.

At the centre of the dispute was the e-commerce moratorium, a policy in place since 1998 that prevents countries from imposing tariffs on electronic transmissions. While the US pushed for a long-term or permanent extension, Brazil insisted on a shorter timeline, linking its stance to frustrations over lack of progress in agriculture negotiations.

The failure to renew the agreement means the moratorium has now lapsed, although countries can still individually choose not to impose digital tariffs.

The broader negotiations also aimed to address structural reforms within the WTO, which has faced increasing criticism over its ability to manage global trade disputes amid rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies.

Although a full consensus proved impossible among the 166 member states, a smaller group of 66 countries managed to reach a partial agreement on baseline digital trade rules—offering a limited breakthrough amid the broader stalemate.

Trade officials and global business leaders have expressed concern that the collapse of the talks signals deeper challenges for the future of the multilateral trading system, especially at a time of global economic uncertainty.

Observers warn that without stronger cooperation, divisions between developed and developing economies could continue to undermine efforts to modernise global trade rules and maintain stability in international markets.