Implementation of non-tariff measures in Estonia in the 1930s

The article discusses the Estonian trade policy in the 1930s on the example of application of non-tariff measures (NTMs). In order to position the trade policy, the article compares the measures implemented in Estonia with the ones implemented in the Nordic countries and in other Baltic countries. Export in these countries mainly depended on the UK and Germany and consisted in a large part of agricultural products. Historiography does contain references to the fact that the implementation of NTMs intensified in the 1930s, but so far no studies with that kind of emphasis and historic perspective have been conducted. The article also provides an overview of the dynamics of Estonian trade volumes and the most significant foreign trade articles. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark applied exchange control and were considered as more protectionist than Norway, Sweden and Finland, which belonged to the sterling bloc. At first, the objective of the implementation of the exchange control and licenses in Estonia was to protect the national currency. Later, trade-related justifications became more and more important in NTM application. Estonian trade had similarities to Danish trade. Both countries were clearly orientated on the export of agricultural products.