Global business momentum is building ahead of the World Trade Organization’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). As of March 5, 2026, 189 chambers of commerce and business associations from every region of the world have endorsed the Global Business Statement calling for urgent WTO reform and renewal of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions. The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand among these signatories, joining other Canadian and international partners to advocate for a stronger, more predictable, and future‑ready global trading system. 

What the Global Business Coalition Is Calling For

1. A Time‑Bound Process to Reform the WTO
The Global Business Statement urges trade ministers to launch a structured, time‑bound WTO reform plan to restore the organization’s core functions – negotiation, deliberation, and dispute settlement – all of which have been under strain in recent years.
A modernized WTO is essential to address growing fragmentation in the trading system and to ensure that global rules keep pace with 21st‑century challenges, from digital trade to supply chain resilience.

2. Renewal of the E‑Commerce Moratorium
A top priority for the coalition is renewal of the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions, which prevents governments from imposing tariffs on digital products, cloud services, software updates, data flows, and other cross‑border electronic transmissions.
Allowing the moratorium to lapse would introduce uncertainty into global digital markets and disproportionately harm micro-, small-, and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs) that rely on affordable digital tools to trade and operate efficiently. 

What Our Signature Represents

The Global Business Statement included in the ICC’s coordinated advocacy effort highlights several urgent realities:

The WTO framework has underpinned global trade for 30 years, providing predictability for businesses of all sizes. Rising unilateralism and a patchwork of regional trade agreements are increasing costs and uncertainty for companies, especially MSMEs.
Oxford Economics research shows that the loss of a functioning WTO could reduce developing economy GDP by more than 5 percent, underscoring the systemic risk of inaction. 

By signing the Statement, the Southeast Alberta Chamber joins Canada’s broader business community – including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce – in urging MC14 ministers to deliver concrete outcomes that stabilize and modernize the global trading system.

Why This Matters for Businesses in Canada

1. Canada’s Economy Depends on Predictable Rules
Approximately three‑quarters of global trade is governed by WTO rules, and Canada’s export‑driven economy relies heavily on clear, enforceable global standards. Predictability in market access, non‑discrimination, and dispute settlement protections are crucial for Canadian exporters, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and advanced technology sectors.

2. Digital Trade Is Now Core to Competitiveness
Canadian businesses increasingly rely on digital tools to reach customers, manage supply chains, and integrate services. If the moratorium were to lapse, digital tariffs could raise operational costs, limit data flows, and weaken Canada’s competitive position – particularly for small businesses expanding internationally.

3. A Strong WTO Supports Rural and Regional Economies
For regions like Southeast Alberta, where agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics depend on stable international rules, fragmentation in global trade disproportionately affects pricing, export timing, and access to key markets.

4. Canadian SMEs Need a Level Playing Field
SMEs make up the majority of Canada’s business base. A reformed and functioning WTO helps ensure smaller firms can compete in global markets without being disadvantaged by inconsistent rules or rising protectionism. 

The Bottom Line

Canada benefits when the global trading system is stable, rules‑based, and digital‑friendly. By joining 189 global business organizations around the world, through our affiliation and membership in the International Chambers of Commerce, in supporting WTO reform and renewal of the e‑commerce moratorium, our Chamber is advocating for:

• A more competitive environment for Canadian exporters,
• Lower digital trade barriers for SMEs,
• Greater resilience against protectionist measures, and
• A stronger foundation for long‑term economic growth.

MC14 presents a pivotal moment. The voice of Canadian business – including Southeast Alberta – is clear: a revitalized WTO is essential for prosperity at home and abroad. Find out more and read the letter.