4 Transparency in Nontariff Measures: Effects on Agricultural Trade

Abstract

Can transparency mitigate the trade-distortive effects of nontariff measures (NTMs)? This chapter explores the trade impact associated with promoting greater transparency in NTMs, using a new database of transparency provisions in over 100 Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). The investigation surveys the incidence and scope of transparency provisions in RTAs, and econometrically assesses the trade effects of these instruments on bilateral agricultural and food trade. The findings demonstrate that transparency provisions in RTAs are associated with greater agricultural trade flows, suggesting that transparency should remain an important element of ongoing policy efforts to make NTMs less onerous for trade in agriculture.

Citation

Lejárraga, I., Shepherd, B. and van Tongeren, F. (2013), "4 Transparency in Nontariff Measures: Effects on Agricultural Trade", Beghin, J.C. (Ed.) Nontariff Measures with Market Imperfections: Trade and Welfare Implications (Frontiers of Economics and Globalization, Vol. 12), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 99-125. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1574-8715(2013)0000012009