The Single European Market of 1992, Developing Countries and Trinidad and Tobago's Agricultural Exports

The 12-nation European Economic Community is set to become the world's largest single market of 320 million inhabitants by the end of 1992. The goal of removal of all physical, technical and fiscal barriers is likely to have differing impacts on the exports of developing countries. This paper focuses on the likely impact on Trinidad and Tobago's agricultural exports. While there remains much uncertainty as to the net effect of the unified market on developing countries, it is found that Trinidad and Tobago's agricultural exports may not be unduly affected. This view however should not be allowed to engender complacency for this country is an exporter of other products to the EEC, products which may not be in the same position as agricultural exports. Further, it is this country's interest to join with its Caribbean partners in preserving whatever preferences exist while at the same time seeking to penetrate a unified Europe on a more competitive basis.