Liberalisation of Tariff and Nontariff Barriers

Abstract

Empirical analyses of existing tariff and nontariff barriers clearly establish that these artificial trade control measures have a major retardation effect on the exports of developing countries. Furthermore, evidence exists that these restraints are applied in a discriminatory manner against LDCs. Tariffs on developing countries’ manufactured goods are typically higher than average in most industrial markets, and have been reduced less in multilateral trade negotiations. Similarly, the frequency of nontariff barrier application is often highest on goods which are of special interest to developing countries. Evidence also suggests that stacking, or multiple application of nontariff restraints, is frequently used to restrict imports from LDCs.