Statement on the WTO Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) Negotiations

Paris - Today, Trade Ministers and senior officials from seven EGA members - Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and the United States - met in Paris to discuss progress in the negotiations and to chart a path toward successful conclusion later this year.  This group has been working closely together with the aim of concluding an ambitious EGA with all participants ahead of when G20 Leaders meet in Hangzhou in September for the G20 Summit. The Trade Ministers and senior officials welcomed the significant progress that has been made over the 13 negotiating rounds held to date. This includes recent efforts in smaller groups and different configurations to focus negotiations towards a potential EGA landing zone. The Ministers and senior officials reiterated their commitment to a high-standard, ambitious EGA that eliminates tariffs on a broad range of environmental goods, in the context of a future-oriented agreement.  They committed to intensify their work together and with other EGA partners to successfully conclude the negotiations, and to find common ground on an EGA that will improve environmental protection, promote economic growth, and create green jobs, through an increase in global trade in environmental goods. The Ministers and senior officials encourage other WTO Members with a similar level of ambition and interest to join the EGA.