Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/130463 
Year of Publication: 
2016
Series/Report no.: 
CESifo Working Paper No. 5823
Publisher: 
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), Munich
Abstract: 
Special and Differential Treatment for Developing Countries (SDT) constitutes a central feature of the GATT/WTO system. Its formal goal is to foster export-led growth in developing countries. Its theoretical foundations and empirical support are, however, weak at best. In particular, SDT conflicts with the GATT’s two key principles of reciprocity and nondiscrimination, compromising the efficiency of the multilateral trading system. Still, if SDT provisions help those who most need help, sacrificing economic efficiency may be justifiable. However, there are numerous criticisms, on theoretical and empirical grounds, to the premises and the achievements of SDT-based disciplines, casting serious doubt on its effectiveness in helping developing countries trade and grow. For researchers, the good news is that there is plenty of room for progress, with several important areas where our understanding remains unsatisfactory but progress is feasible–that is, where the expected return to research effort seems unusually high.
Subjects: 
generalized system of preferences
preferential tariffs
trade policy
World Trade Organization
terms of trade
firm delocation
export-led growth
JEL: 
F13
F55
F63
O19
O24
Document Type: 
Working Paper
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