More than Just Another Expansion: Why Does the 3rd Information Technology Agreement (ITA3) Need to Be Bold?

Digital technologies have undoubtedly transformed people’s daily lives, but their seamless operation depends on a complex array of elements, including the availability of information and communications technology (ICT) goods. Trade plays a crucial role in accessing these goods, yet trade frictions like tariffs and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) can hamper this process. To address some of these frictions, economies developed the ITA1. Two decades later, an expansion (ITA2) was concluded. However, a rapidly changing technology landscape calls for another expansion. A prospective ITA3 could not only further support the adoption of emerging technologies but also create an opportunity for bolder solutions. APEC economies can spearhead the development of a bold ITA3 by enhancing government-industry dialogues to identify new products, ensuring the agreement remains evergreen, incorporating robust NTB interventions, and institutionalising capacity-building measures.