In this paper we investigate whether multilateral trade liberalisation undermines or encourages preferential trade liberalisation. We use highly disaggregated data at the tariff-line level and find an 'emulator effect' of multilateral trade liberalisation on preferential trade agreements....

With diminishing tariffs, the focus of trade policy makers and analysts is logically turning towards non-tariff barriers (NTBs), but there much remains to be done. It is well-known that tackling NTBs poses many challenges for the analyst because of their diverse and complex nature, and the lack...