Global Business Supports an Ambitious and Rapid Conclusion to an
Environmental Goods Agreement at the World Trade Organization
July 8, 2014
An open letter to WTO negotiators:
Business associations from around the world strongly endorse efforts to negotiate an
Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
We urge governments to make the swift negotiation of an ambitious international agreement toeliminate tariffs on a broad range of environmental goods a priority.

Global trade in environmental goods is already estimated to be around $1 trillion annually, andgrowing quickly. According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme, theInternational Trade Centre and the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development,
trade in environmental products more than doubled globally from 2001 to 2007, and exports bydeveloping countries rose as fast as those by developed economies.
An ambitious EGA will further increase global trade in environmental goods, lowering the costof addressing environmental and climate challenges by removing tariffs that can be as high as 35percent.
In addition to its intrinsic commercial importance and desirability, a well-designed EGA can actas a stepping stone to lowering tariffs and other trade barriers in other sectors and associatedvalue chains.
We commend trade officials for advancing significant work already, which has provided a strong
basis for the EGA negotiations.
Global industry strongly endorses an EGA that is –
1.
2.
3.
4.

Commercially significant
Negotiated in a timely fashion
Implementable
Inclusive of as many economies as possible, provided that new entrants are supportive ofa commercially significant result, and5. Flexible to accommodate and adjust to innovation
We are committed to working with governments around the world to ensure a commerciallymeaningful Environmental Goods Agreement that promotes economic growth, improves
environmental outcomes and advances innovation.
Sincerely,
Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Australian Industry Group
Business Council for Sustainable Energy
Business Council of Australia
Business NZ
Business Unity South Africa
Canadian Electricity Association | Association canadienne de l’électricité
Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Canadian Renewable Fuels Association
China Association of Lighting Industry
Clean Energy Council
Coalition of Services Industries
Communications and Information Network Association of Japan
Confederation of Danish Industries
Emergency Committee for American Trade
European Photovoltaic Industry Association
European Wind Energy Association
Federation of Hong-Kong Industries

Greenhouse Cleantech Limited
Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Information Technology Industry Council
Innovation Norway
Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries
International Photovoltaic Equipment Association
Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association
Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association
Japan Lighting Manufacturers Association
Japan Machinery Center for Trade and Investment
Keidanren, Japan Business Federation
Korea International Trade Association
National Association of Manufacturers
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
National Foreign Trade CouncilSemiconductor Equipment and Materials International
Semiconductor Industry Association
SETI Alliance
Singapore Business Federation
Solar Energy Industries Association
Sustainable Business Australia
Sustainable Energy Association of Australia
Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce | La Chambre de commerce du Canada
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Council for International Business
World Energy Council