Trade Preferences Outlook
In this biennial publication, UNCTAD provides an analysis of the state of non-reciprocal trade preferences, such as the generalized system of preferences, offered to developing countries. By offering duty-free or duty-light access to advanced markets, such schemes have contributed to developing countries’ export expansion and integration into global value chains. Recently, there has been a threat to the stability and predictability of preferential schemes, as such schemes have expired and economic fragmentation and protectionism have undermined trade predictability. This course is aimed at addressing the effects of global uncertainty and the increasing use of unilateral tariffs on beneficiary countries of non-reciprocal trade preferences, particularly the least developed countries and other vulnerable economies; and policy options for shaping the future of non-reciprocal trade preferences in order that preference-receiving developing countries and the least developed countries can foster sustained and inclusive growth and economic diversification. The course is relevant to Sustainable Development Goal 17 on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development. At the end of the course, delegates will have gained knowledge of the following:
- Historical evolution and current state of non-reciprocal trade preferences
- Trade impacts of changes and uncertainty in preferential market access on preferencereceiving developing countries, particularly the least developed countries
- Factors that influence the impact of trade preferences on beneficiary countries
- Ways to improve existing non-reciprocal preferential market access
