Since July 2014, the EU and 16 other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have been negotiating on an agreement to remove barriers to trade in green goods that are crucial for environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
These would include products such as carbon dioxide scrubbers, recycling machinery, heat pumps, thermostats and wind turbines.
The negotiators are building on a list of 54 products on which the member countries of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have agreed to reduce their tariffs to 5% or less.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Commissioner said: “Making trade in environmentally friendly technologies cheaper is a key step on the way towards reaching the targets set in the Paris agreement on climate.”
However, a joint statement with the US Trade Representative, released after the Geneva meeting indicated that agreement has still not been reached.
While recognising that many participants engaged constructively, and brought new contributions to the table, the statement concludes that “participants will now return to capitals to consider next steps”.
Commissioner Malmström and Ambassador Froman said: “We believe a high standard EGA would enhance global access to clean technologies; advance environmental protection; and benefit workers, businesses, and consumers.”
