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International Harmonization and the Gains from Trade

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  • Kerr, William A.

Abstract

International harmonization of standards and regulations is often a goal expressed in trade agreements because it is expected to yield gains from trade. Absence of progress toward harmonization is often interpreted as being motivated by protectionism, with differences in standards and regulations seen as non-tariff barriers. While protectionism may well be the source of resistance to harmonization, there may be other reasons it is not pursued. These alternative explanations have not received much attention from economists. In this article some of these alternatives are outlined - demand effects from altering standards, switching costs, proprietary technologies. The article concludes that proposals for international harmonization need to be scrutinized carefully.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerr, William A., 2006. "International Harmonization and the Gains from Trade," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 7(2), pages 1-10.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:ecjilt:23843
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.23843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Roberts, Donna & Josling, Timothy E. & Orden, David, 1999. "A Framework for Analyzing Technical Trade Barriers in Agricultural Markets," Technical Bulletins 33560, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. William A. Kerr, 1988. "The Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and the Livestock Sector: The Second-Stage Negotiations," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 36(4), pages 895-903, December.
    3. Moez Sanaa & Louis Coroller & Olivier Cerf, 2004. "Risk Assessment of Listeriosis Linked to the Consumption of Two Soft Cheeses Made from Raw Milk: Camembert of Normandy and Brie of Meaux," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(2), pages 389-399, April.
    4. Kerr, William A., 2003. "Science-based Rules of Trade: A Mantra for Some, An Anathema for Others," Estey Centre Journal of International Law and Trade Policy, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, vol. 4(2), pages 1-12.
    5. James D. Gaisford & William A. Kerr, 2001. "Economic Analysis for International Trade Negotiations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2243.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sawyer, Erin N. & Kerr, William A. & Hobbs, Jill E., 2008. "Consumer preferences and the international harmonization of organic standards," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 607-615, December.
    2. Smyth Stuart & Kerr William & Phillips Peter, 2017. "Labeling Demands, Coexistence and the Challenges for Trade," Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization, De Gruyter, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, January.

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