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Questions and Answers
What principle requires that trade advantages offered by one member to another must be extended to all members of the WTO?
What principle requires that trade advantages offered by one member to another must be extended to all members of the WTO?
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) are designed to increase trade barriers between member countries.
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) are designed to increase trade barriers between member countries.
False
What does WTO stand for and how did it evolve from GATT?
What does WTO stand for and how did it evolve from GATT?
WTO stands for World Trade Organization. It evolved from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to provide a more structured and comprehensive framework for international trade.
The __________ effect of Regional Trade Agreements describes the increase in trade between member countries, while the __________ effect refers to trade diversion from non-member countries.
The __________ effect of Regional Trade Agreements describes the increase in trade between member countries, while the __________ effect refers to trade diversion from non-member countries.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is a key objective of the multilateral trading system?
What is a key objective of the multilateral trading system?
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The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1995.
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1995.
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What does the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Principle entail?
What does the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Principle entail?
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The World Trade Organization (WTO) replaced the ______ in 1995.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) replaced the ______ in 1995.
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Which of these is NOT a function of the WTO?
Which of these is NOT a function of the WTO?
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Match the following regional trade agreements with their characteristics:
Match the following regional trade agreements with their characteristics:
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Static effects of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) include trade creation and trade diversion.
Static effects of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) include trade creation and trade diversion.
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What challenge is currently facing the multilateral trading system?
What challenge is currently facing the multilateral trading system?
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Study Notes
Multilateral Trading System
- The multilateral trading system governs international trade using rules and agreements to foster fair and free trade globally.
- Key objectives include reducing trade barriers, ensuring predictable trade policies, and resolving disputes between trading nations.
Evolution of the Global Trading System
- The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was established in 1948 to lower tariffs and promote trade liberalization.
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) replaced GATT in 1995, creating a stronger institutional framework for global trade.
Principles of the WTO
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Principle: All WTO members receive the same trade terms as the most favored trading partner.
- National Treatment Principle: Imported goods face the same regulations as domestically produced goods.
- Transparency: WTO members must publicly disclose their trade regulations and changes.
Functions of the WTO
- Administers trade agreements.
- Serves as a forum for trade negotiations.
- Resolves trade disputes through the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB).
- Monitors national trade policies.
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)
- RTAs are agreements between countries to reduce trade barriers within a specific region.
- Examples include NAFTA/USMCA, the EU, and ASEAN.
Static and Dynamic Effects of RTAs
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Static effects:
- Trade creation: Shifts production from high-cost domestic producers to lower-cost imports from RTA members.
- Trade diversion: Shifts imports from lower-cost non-RTA producers to higher-cost RTA members due to preferential treatment.
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Dynamic effects:
- Economies of scale due to increased market size.
- Enhanced competition promoting innovation and efficiency.
Challenges Facing the Multilateral Trading System
- Rising protectionism and unilateral trade measures (e.g., tariffs).
- Deadlocks in WTO negotiations.
- Increased influence of regional agreements over global frameworks.
- Need for reforms in WTO dispute settlement mechanisms.
Figure 4.2 (Global Trade Flows):
- Illustrates global trade flows between North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions, highlighting trade interdependence.
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Description
This quiz covers key aspects of the multilateral trading system, including its evolution, core principles, and the functions of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Learn about major agreements such as GATT and discover how trade policies are designed to foster fair and free trade worldwide.