G20 economies impose 39 new trade-restrictive measures in 7 months: WTO

10 Jul 2018 Evaluate

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) in its latest report has showed that a total of 39 new trade-restrictive measures were applied by G20 economies between October 16, 2017 and May 15, 2018, including tariff increases, stricter customs procedures, imposition of taxes and export duties. It noted that this equates to an average of almost six restrictive measures per month, which is significantly higher than the three measures recorded during the previous review period. It mentioned that the G20 is a group of developed and developing countries which include India, Australia, Brazil, China, France, UK, EU, Germany, Japan, Korea, Russia, South Africa and Turkey. 

The report further indicated that the G20 nations also implemented 47 measures to facilitate trade during this review period, including elimination or cut in tariffs, simplified import and export customs procedures and reduction of import taxes. It noted that at an average of almost seven trade-facilitating measures per month, this is marginally higher than the six measures recorded in the previous reporting period (mid-May to mid-October 2017). The report comes against the backdrop of trade wars intensifying globally, led by the US and China, in the past couple of months.

According to the report, the marked increase in such measures among G20 economies should be of real concern to the international community. It also pointed out that additional trade-restrictive measures have been announced in the weeks since this reporting period and therefore the deterioration in trade relations may be even worse than that recorded here. It noted that this continued escalation poses a serious threat to the global trade growth. Adding further, it said that increase in trade restrictive steps is not a good news for India as it would impact exports growth of the country. It is taking several steps to promote the outbound shipments, which helps create employment opportunities, earn foreign exchange and boost economic activities.

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