A review of the effects of non-tariff measures in food and agricultural trade : Insights for Economic Community of West African States

This paper reviews empirical literature on the effects of non-tariff measures on food and agricultural trade and insights Economic Community of West Africa States could draw to inform trade policy. Literature of NTMs suggest different direction and magnitudes. Yet the prevailing effect and sensitivity of developing countries such as those in ECOWAS to the measures remain unclear. The paper sets out to ascertain the prevailing effect of the measures while shedding light on their increasing relevance in trade relations. The study relies on desk review. Four strands of studies are identified – trade-enhancing, trade-impeding, mixed and null trade effect. Trade-impeding effects of NTMs prevail. The most affected trade partners are those from developing countries including countries in ECOWAS. NTMs result in high trade cost, and reduced competitiveness of products in destination markets due to exporters’ inability to comply with requirements. Lacking compliance resources, stringency of measures in destination markets, inadequate technical and financial resources may be contributing factors. National governments, ministries and agencies should promote the production and exportation of standard compliance products. Exporters should be supported with the required technical and financial assistance to be able to meet standards in the international market to avoid rejection of their produce in destination markets. Furthermore, bilateral relations should be strengthened to improve trade liberalization for accelerated development