This paper is concerned with the measurement of tariff and non-tariff barriers for use in quantitative analysis of commercial policies. Non-tariff measures are defined and classified, and the measurement of their effects is discussed. This includes a review of the inventory approach, under which...

The EU's improt policies towards developing countries are complex, stemming from important sectoral and country variations in policy. Average tariffs are modest, and, while there are tariff peaks and escalation in some areas of interest to developing countries, these are being reduced as a...

This major Handbook offers a comprehensive analysis of the key issues surrounding the rapid expansion of Latin America's manufacturing sector. It systematically examines the most important factors influencing the comparative advantages and the globalization of manufacturing industries in the region.

The methodological problems associated with standard partial equilibrium models may impart a significant bias in their projections of the trade effects of tariff cuts. First, these models fail to account for the price-raising effects of nontariff barriers (NTBs) that shift the supply curve for...

Aid for Trade may alleviate some fears by developing countries about the social cost of trade reforms and hence help de-block the WTO negotiations. It may also help address critical supply-side issues and contribute to the achievement of the MDGs. However, there is wide divergence in views what...

Market access negotiations in merchandise trade at the multilateral level cover tariffs and non-tariff measures (NTMs). While tariffs have been substantially reduced in earlier rounds, they remain high in certain areas and further reductions involve a number of complex technical issues. Some...

In the last ten years, there has been a sea change in trade and related policies in emerging markets. This results from autonomous reforms undertaken in conjunction with macro-economic stabilization programmes. Many non-tariff measures have been eliminated and tariffs, now the principal trade...