Quantitative analysis using the UNCTAD/FAO ATPSM model suggests that the removal of export subsidies would raise world prices. The major beneficiaries would be EU taxpayers and developing country producers. Since consumers in developing countries probably face higher prices the welfare effects...

What are the major determinants of export performance? Does the importance of these determinants vary with export performance itself? Using quantile regression techniques this study investigates the contribution towards the performance of the external sector of linkages to international markets...

Motivated by the standard Heckscher-Ohlin theory, we investigate whether comparative advantage affects the duration of exports from least developed countries (LDCs). To do so, we first calculate each exported product’s distance from the country’s comparative advantage. Then we estimate a...

Following the crises of the late 1990s and the subsequent slowdown in the world economy, many countries in the developed and developing world are at the crossroads in their trade strategy, uncertain whether to advance with trade reforms, to stand still or increase protection. While the case for...

For developing countries, agro-biotechnology is a particularly challenging phenomenon. They could be the main beneficiaries of it – if indeed agro-biotechnology keeps its promises – but they could also be the main losers if agro-biotechnology negatively affects biodiversity or if patented...

The exchange rate plays an important role in a country’s trade performance. Whether determined by exogenous shocks or by policy, the relative valuations of currencies and their volatility often have important repercussions on international trade, the balance of payments and overall economic...

Over the last three decades, global supply chains (GSCs) have increasingly gained importance in linking developing countries to international markets. Today a substantial share of the production processes of GSCs is taking place in developing countries. For developing countries and their...

Simultaneous developments in the WTO system and under regional integration initiatives are dramatically changing the trading environment for developing countries. The interface between these processes brings new and enormous challenges for those countries, with profound implications for their...

This paper explores the effect of market access on firms’ export performance and their survival on foreign markets. The data used cover all Peruvian exporting firms between 2002 and 2008, a period during which Peru was active in joining the global economy. This is done using two indices: one...

Tariffs for industrial products are a key element of the ongoing WTO negotiations. However, rather than clarifying the issues, the framework text agreed on 1 August 2004 leaves considerable uncertainty about the future direction of the talks. According to one view, the negotiations are back at...