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Issues of Fairness in International Trade Agreements

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew G. Brown

    (Andrew G. Brown, Wellfleet, MA, e-mail: abrown@c4.net.)

  • Robert M. Stern

    (Robert M. Stern is at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, e-mail: rmstern@umich.edu.)

Abstract

In this article, we first describe the characteristics of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that are the basis of the framework of the multilateral trading system. We then provide an overview of concepts of fairness in trade agreements. Thereafter, we offer a critique of the efficiency criterion in assessing multilateral trade agreements, taking issue with T.N. Srinivasan's (2006) analysis and then elaborate on our conception of fairness as reflected in agreements covering market access. We also address considerations of distributive justice, in contrast with Srinivasan's contention that distributive justice has no role to play in the design and negotiation of multilateral trade agreements. Finally, we question bilateral trade agreements from the standpoint of fairness, drawing on the example of the U.S. bilateral FTA negotiated in 2005 with Central America and the Dominican Republic.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew G. Brown & Robert M. Stern, 2007. "Issues of Fairness in International Trade Agreements," Margin: The Journal of Applied Economic Research, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 1(1), pages 1-22, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:mareco:v:1:y:2007:i:1:p:1-22
    DOI: 10.1177/097380100600100101
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew Brown & Robert Stern, 2005. "Concepts of Fairness in the Global Trading System," Working Papers 544, Research Seminar in International Economics, University of Michigan.
    2. Hoekman, Bernard, 2004. "Dismantling Discrimination Against Developing Countries: Access, Rules and Differential Treatment," CEPR Discussion Papers 4694, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Brown Andrew & Stern Robert M, 2005. "Achieving Fairness in the Doha Development Round," Global Economy Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 5(4), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Bernard Hoekman & Çağlar Özden (ed.), 2006. "Trade Preferences and Differential Treatment of Developing Countries," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3320.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fairness; Equality of Opportunity; Distributive Equity; JEL Classification: D63; JEL Classification: F02; JEL Classification: F10; JEL Classification: F13;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • F02 - International Economics - - General - - - International Economic Order and Integration
    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations

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