Gstp, the Structure of Protegtion and South-south Trade in Manufactures

In the light of endeavours for a Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) among developing countries, this article is concerned with the extent and structure of trade control measures in developing countries against imports of manufactures. More specifically, tariff charges, specific tariffs and quantitative restrictions are examined in selected developing countries. The analysis suggests that, given the present extent and structure of trade control measures in developing countries, a GSTP will probably create too little effective preferential margins to stimulate new South-South trade in manufactures. This seems to be especially true of the stimulation of South-South trade in capital goods, a major ground in the pleas for a preferential trading scheme among developing countries. GSTP, THE STRUCTURE OF PROTECTION AND SOUTH-SOUTH TRADE IN MANUFACTURES