The Information Technology Agreement (ITA) has triggered rapid growth in trade in information technologies and communications (ICT) products and services, with developing countries’ share of global ICT exports more than doubling since 1996. Expanding the ITA will further benefit developing countries by lowering the cost of ICTs that are critical inputs to making their manufacturing and services sectors more competitive; boosting productivity across all sectors of their economies; fostering innovation; boosting exports of goods and services; and thus playing a major role in spurring economic—and employment—growth. Now is the time for policymakers in ITA member countries—developed and developing alike—to seize on the opportunity to further tariff rate elimination on ICT products, which promises to extend the already significant benefits the ITA has produced for individuals, businesses, and economies throughout the world.
