Negotiations to slash tariffs on a wide range of electronic goods stalled in Geneva after China presented a long list of products that it wanted to be exempted from the deal, jeopardising talks that appeared to be headed for a successful conclusion.
Twenty members of the World Trade Organisation – including the US and the EU as a bloc – have been trying to craft a plurilateral deal that would expand the Information Technology Agreement, a pact dating back to 1996.
Such an agreement is a high priority for technology and electronics companies in the US, the EU and other countries participating in the talks who are hoping to see their products become more competitive. A deal seemed in reach as early as this week, but the talks were suspended after China came forth with a proposal that initially listed 103 products it wanted excluded.