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Protecting health or protecting imports? Evidence from EU non-tariff measures

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  • Kareem, Fatima Olanike
  • Martínez-Zarzoso, Inmaculada
  • Brümmer, Bernhard

Abstract

Non-tariff measures such as food safety standards are aimed at protecting consumers' health but may also be used as protectionism tool to limit imports. This study investigates the protectionist intent of EU food safety standards using a sample of EU food imports from African countries. We formalized protectionism by comparing EU standards to the internationally scientific benchmarks. Our results support the hypothesis that heavily import dependent sectors are less protected. Further analysis shows no substantial rise in the usage of these measures as protectionism tool during the period of financial crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Kareem, Fatima Olanike & Martínez-Zarzoso, Inmaculada & Brümmer, Bernhard, 2018. "Protecting health or protecting imports? Evidence from EU non-tariff measures," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 185-202.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reveco:v:53:y:2018:i:c:p:185-202
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iref.2017.08.012
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade protectionism; Non-tariff measures; Food safety standards; Food exports; European Union;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • Q17 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agriculture in International Trade
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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