The rise of bilateralism : comparing American, European, and Asian approaches to preferential trade agreements / Kenneth Heydon and Stephen Woolcock.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Heydon, Kenneth.

Contributor:

Woolcock, Stephen.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Tariff preferences--United States.

Tariff preferences.

Tariff preferences--Europe.

Tariff preferences--Asia.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (333 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Tokyo ; New York : United Nations University Press, c2009.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

As multilateral negotiations become increasingly complex and protracted, preferential trade agreements have become the centerpiece of trade diplomacy. Pushing beyond tariffs into deep integration and beyond regionalism into a web of bilateral deals, these agreements are raising concerns about coercion by bigger players. This study examines American, European, and Asian approaches to preferential trade agreements and their effect on trade, investment, and economic welfare. The book draws on the rich field of theoretical works but also fills a gap in the literature by examining in detail the actual substance of agreements negotiated and envisaged. With bilateralism in trade driven by foreign policy, environmental, and social concerns, as well as market access objectives, the key question is how the various negotiating forums interact. This volume argues that preferential agreements can complement the multilateral system --but only if that system is strong enough to continue to reduce barriers to trade and strengthen rules that limit the distorting effects of bilateralism.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Figures

Tables

Boxes

Abbreviations

Acknowledgements

Part I Introduction

1 Overview

Part II The issues: The nature and scope of PTA policy provisions

2 Tariffs and rules of origin

3 Non-tariff barriers: Commercial instruments, TBT/SPS and public procurement

4 Services and investment

5 Intellectual property rights, the environment and core labour standards

Part III Goals and outcomes: US, European and Asian approaches compared

6 The United States

7 The European Union

8 The European Free Trade Association

9 Japan

10 Singapore

Part IV The effects

11 Assessing the economic impact of PTAs

Part V Conclusion

12 Key findings and looking ahead

Annexes

Annex 1 The United States of America's preferential trade agreements: Summary of agreements and negotiations as at July 2008

Annex 2 The European Union's preferential trade agreements: Summary of agreements and negotiations as at July 2008

Annex 3 EFTA's preferential trade agreements and Joint Declarations on Co-operation: Summary of agreements and negotiations as at July 2008

Annex 4 Japan's preferential trade agreements as at July 2008

Annex 5 Singapore's preferential trade agreements as at July 2008

References

Index.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

92-808-7131-5

OCLC:

778447783