Reforming Non-Tariff Measures: From Evidence to Policy Advice

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_AD7FF32A020F
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Reforming Non-Tariff Measures: From Evidence to Policy Advice
Journal
World Bank Group
Author(s)
Cadot O., Ferrantino M. J., Gourdon J., Reyes J.-D.
ISBN
9781464811388
9781464811395
Publication state
Published
Issued date
06/2018
Language
english
Abstract
High levels of trade costs persist in the world trading system, despite recent progress in tariff reduction, trade facilitation, and logistics. At least some of these costs can be attributed to non-tariff measures (NTMs), policies imposed by governments other than ordinary customs duties which have an impact on the price at which exports and imports are traded, the quantities traded, or both. Such costs are particularly worrisome if they have a discriminatory or protectionist effect, or violate countries’ international commitments. However, even NTMs designed to carry out domestic regulatory objectives - for example, protection of human, animal or plant health, consumer or workplace safety, or the environment - can have substantial effects on international trade, which should be considered when such policies are developed. This book discusses some of the analytical methods that can be used to accompany the process of policy development for NTMs. It discusses the broad economic rationale for improving the design of NTMs;, illustrates the main forms of quantification of NTMs and their effects, including inventory approaches, price-based approaches, and quantity-based approaches; proposes a new analytical and measurable concept of "regulatory distance" to help guide deep integration efforts at the regional level; provides a discussion of the effects of NTMs on household expenditures, poverty, and firm competitiveness; and shows how empirical analysis of NTMs can be used to inform policy advice. As such, it should provide a valuable addition to the arsenal of tools available for applied analysis of international trade policy.
Keywords
non-tariff measures, ntms, sps, quantitative restrictions in trade,non-tariff barriers, international trade policy, tbt, trade and poverty, ntbs, empirical international trade, product standards, trade costs
Create date
26/06/2018 12:32
Last modification date
21/08/2019 5:12
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