Trump’s ‘Agreements on Reciprocal Trade’ (ARTs) threaten equitable access to the internet in Global South

October 9, 2026

The United States has signed reciprocal trade agreements with ten countries since February 2025 that include provisions allowing the U.S. to restrict their use of Chinese telecommunications suppliers like Huawei and ZTE. These restrictions pose significant challenges for developing nations—most with internet penetration rates below 73 percent—that have relied on affordable Chinese infrastructure financing through the Digital Silk Road initiative to address a projected $1. 6 trillion ICT infrastructure gap by 2030.

Who is affected

Ten countries that have signed ARTs: Malaysia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Jordan, and Indonesia
Low-income and middle-income developing nations with significant digital divides
Rural communities in these countries lacking essential public infrastructure connectivity
Over 100,000 schools without internet in Indonesia
Approximately 12 percent of schools without internet in Guatemala
Schools in Cambodia (only 22 percent have functional computers)
Chinese ICT suppliers such as Huawei and ZTE
U.S. suppliers such as CISCO and Hewlett Packard
European Union countries

What action is being taken

The U.S. is signing reciprocal trade agreements with various countries that include ICT supplier restriction provisions
China is filling ICT infrastructure investment gaps through the Digital Silk Road, providing soft loans at below-market rates
The U.S. government is pushing EU allies to restrict market access for Chinese ICT companies

Why it matters

This matters because it affects global efforts to reduce digital divides and achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The restrictions could significantly slow the rollout of 5G, 6G, and advanced ICT networks in developing countries that lack the infrastructure to connect their populations. With one in three people globally lacking reliable internet access, these provisions could limit civic participation, undermine access to education and healthcare, deepen inequality, and reduce economic growth in countries that can least afford such setbacks. Additionally, allowing foreign powers to control technology decisions erodes national sovereignty and may not serve the best interests of the affected countries' populations.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices