WTO members eliminate duties on over 84% of medical products for 2020

Several medical devices like ventilators and masks are in huge demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Member countries of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization (WTO) have eliminated customs duties on over 84 per cent of medical products for 2020 under their various regional trade agreements (RTAs), according to a report.

India is a member of the WTO since 1995. There are a total of 164 members of this organisation, which deals with global trade-related issues.

The share of exports by the world's top-10 exporters of medical products to their RTA partners ranges from between 27 per cent for China to almost 75 per cent for Italy, the WTO has said in the report.

Majority of the top-10 traders in