世界贸易组织概论（英文版）Chapter 4 Tariff Concession.ppt

several reasons why customs duties are still referred as a major barrier in international trade: 3. non-tariff barriers on trade in agricultural products have been removed and replaced by customs duties at levels often very high in very competitive markets and in trade between neighboring countries, a very low duty may still constitute a barrier The significant reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers to market access along with the elimination of discrimination, are the key WTO instrument to achieve its overall goals. Some barriers to market access, such as quantitative restrictions on goods, are prohibited, while other barriers, such as customs duties, are allowed in principle and are only limited to the extent of a Member’s specific agreement. 4.2.2. Basic principles and rules governing tariff concession The principle of reciprocity and mutual advantage The most-favored-nation treatment obligation 4.2.2.1. The principle of reciprocity and mutual advantage When a member requests other members to reduce their tariffs on certain products, the first ones must be ready to reduce their own tariffs on products which the other members export, or wish to export. The principle of reciprocity does not apply, at least not to its full extent, to tariff negotiations between developed countries and developing countries. This is further elaborated in the 1979 Tokyo Round Decision on Differential and More Favorable Treatment, Reciprocity and Fuller Participation of Developing Countries, or commonly referred as the Enabling Clause. in the Uruguay Round, almost all developing-country Members agreed to a reduction in customs duties; however this reduction, according to the principle of relative reciprocity, was less than that agreed by the developed members. The increased willingness of developing-country members to actively participate in tariff reduction negotiations during the Uruguay Round can be attributed to two factors: 1. Developing-country members had made significant p