Looking Beyond Tariffs: The Role of Non-Tariff Barriers in World Trade

Despite all the talk of globalization, the world economy is still far from a textbook model of unfettered trade. Nontariff barriers on goods have been lowered significantly in the course of successive trade negotiations, but more can be done. This is the message conveyed by the Doha Development Agenda, the mandate of which includes negotiations to further improve market access for nonagricultural products. This volume reviews concerns that exporters and governments have raised about market access. It looks at where and why certain nontariff measures are being applied to traded goods, including prohibitions and quotas, nonautomatic import licensing schemes, customs fees and charges, and export restrictions. Looking beyond Tariffs will expand the knowledge base of policymakers, negotiators, and anyone interested in learning about the use of these measures and other market access issues.