US WTO plan: E-commerce talks out, labour rights in

The US has announced its trade strategy, which includes opting out of talks for global e-commerce rules at the WTO, a move seen as positive for India. However, the US Trade Representative has suggested an international framework on climate change and workers’ rights, which may not be good news for India. Trade negotiators will focus on the dispute settlement mechanism, but other elements of the statement are crucial for India, especially in bilateral trade negotiations. India should reconsider its stance on the digital chapter in FTAs, given the US’s reservations on the issue.