Chapter 6 Instruments of trade policies-1 国际贸易双语电子教案.pptVIP

Chapter 6 Instruments of Trade Policies Textbook P126; Chinese Version P291, P344 6.0 Introduction We have seen in the previous chapters that free trade maximizes world output and benefits all nations. However, practically all nations impose some restrictions on the free flow of international trade. Since these restrictions and regulations deal with the nation’s trade or commerce, they are generally known as trade or commercial policies. While trade restrictions are invariably rationalized in terms of national welfare, in reality they are usually advocated by those special groups in the nation that stand to benefit from such restrictions. examples The EU is still maintaining protectionist measures in so called “sensitive sectors” like agriculture, steel, cars, consumer electronics and a number of administrative regulations and procedures make like difficult for foreign suppliers. The U.S. continues to restrict trade in textiles, sugar, and other basic products in response to domestic political pressures, in addition to more techonoligical and militarily sensitive products. During some areas of history, the barriers to trade have been very strict. However, since the end of World War II, many national barriers (e.g. tariffs) have been greatly reduced through international cooperation, while some new and more subtle forms of protection have emerged and flourished (e.g. non-tariff barriers, “managed trade”). At the same time, government around the world use various measures to enhance their national exports. Some of these measures may be unfair and even in contradiction with international rules. 6.1 A Brief Historical Overview of Commercial Policies The Mercantilists of the eighteenth century believed that the economic power of the state was enhanced by the accumulation of precious metals in the national treasures. Commercial policies, therefore, were directed toward achieving as large a trade surplus as possible by encouraging and restraining imports. The surplus