Will the Doha Round Lead to Preference Erosion?

Author/Editor:

John Romalis ; Mary Amiti

Publication Date:

January 1, 2006

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper assesses the effects of reducing tariffs under the Doha Round on market access for developing countries. It shows that for many developing countries, actual preferential access is less generous than it appears because of low product coverage or complex rules of origin. Thus lowering tariffs under the multilateral system is likely to lead to a net increase in market access for many developing countries, with gains in market access offsetting losses from preference erosion. Furthermore, comparing various tariff-cutting proposals, the research shows that the largest gains in market access are generated by higher tariff cuts in agriculture.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2006/010

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

January 1, 2006

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451862706/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2006010

Pages:

41

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org