US Ditches WTO, Forges Digital Trade Alliance

0:00On March 31st, the World Trade Organization just wrapped up a ministerial meeting in Cameroon that went nowhere fast and US trade representative. Jameson Greer is calling it quits on big expectations. He says the WTO will only play a limited role in shaping global trade from here on out, and America plans to team up with like-minded nations instead. Nearly 24 hours after the talks deadlocked, Greer dropped a statement blasting the lack of seriousness for many members. The big snag was extending the e-commerce moratorium on tariffs for digital transmissions, which got blocked by Brazil and Turkey after 28 years of routine renewals. Greer, who's been leading President Trump's push on tariffs against trading partners, admitted he's long been skeptical of the WTO's value. This flop just confirmed his doubts, leaving false wondering if the group's reformed dreams are toast. The bright side, the US already locked in promises from dozens of countries, including most major partners,

1:00not to slap tariffs on American digital. Goods, no sweat if the WTO can't deliver. So now, expect the US to hustle outside the organization with willing allies to keep trade flowing smooth on digital fronts, side-stepping the gridlock for real progress. That's the story for today. Global news today, driven by AI.