"WTO Meeting in Abu Dhabi Ends with Digital Tariff Ban Extension and Muted Outcomes"

WTO negotiations in Abu Dhabi failed to reach consensus on major reforms, including agriculture and fisheries, but extended the moratorium on digital trade tariffs for two years. The talks, which were described as intense and difficult, highlighted fissures between some of the world's top economies. The U.S. expressed concern over potential fragmentation among the BRICS group, while India and China disagreed on key issues. The weak outcomes from the meeting serve as a wake-up call for the need for a more constructive debate on the role of trade in society, and the UAE's efforts to emphasize multilateralism and dialogue were not fully realized.