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Global Affairs Canada reported that on July 4, 2016, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade announced the implementation of the expanded Information Technology Agreement (ITA). Canada’s implementation of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) expanded ITA eliminates tariffs on 201 tech and information-related products. On July 1, 2016, Canada permanently locked in its duty-free status on the majority of products covered under the expanded ITA. The remaining tariffs will be eliminated over three years. Global Affairs Canada said the ITA will benefit Canadian exporters of many products, including audiovisual products and parts, flight simulators, telecommunication products, software, media-storage devices, medical devices, touch-screen devices and medical equipment. The additional products are estimated by the WTO to account for approximately $1.3 trillion in global annual trade. Canada is one of 53 WTO members, including China, the European Union, South Korea, Japan, and the United States, participating in the expanded ITA. |
