Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/203982 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2015
Series/Report no.: 
wiiw Working Paper No. 117
Publisher: 
The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), Vienna
Abstract: 
Abstract This contribution provides a cost-benefit analysis in a partial equilibrium framework to investigate the welfare consequences of a prohibitive non-tariff measure (NTM) aimed at a foreign product with perceived negative characteristics. Two groups of consumers are distinguished one that is indifferent to the negative attributes of the foreign product and another that is concerned about them. Different scenarios concerning the welfare gains from the introduction of an NTM are explored. The results depend on consumer awareness and information policies pursued by the government. The theoretical model is illustrated with data on the consumption of cattle in eight northern states of the United States of America; this is related to Dispute Settlement 384 on Certain Country of Origin Labelling (COOL). The findings suggest that when the government informs consumers after an NTM that a harmful product is no longer available on the market, that favours domestic producers rather than consumers. Such a framework could assist the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organisation in determining the true motivations behind the imposition of an NTM.
Subjects: 
welfare
trade policy
non-tariff measures
technical barriers to trade
dispute settlement
JEL: 
D61
F13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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