Information Technology

The landmark Information Technology Agreement (ITA) was finalized in 1997, bringing together 39 countries accounting for 92 percent of world trade in information technology products. The agreement provides for the elimination of tariffs on most information technology products by the year 2000. Countries, including Thailand, will stage the overwhelming majority of their tariff reductions by the year 2000, and in very limited circumstances, extend staging of the commitments until the year 2005. The agreement allows for reviews of product coverage and the ability to target non-tariff measures that impede market access for IT products. The ITA covers a broad range of dynamic products including semiconductors, computers, telecommunication equipment and software.