Regional Integration and Non-Tariff Measures in ASEAN

Though tariffs have been reduced, the number of non-tariff measures (NTMs) continues to increase, and is often blamed in part for the lack of integration in ASEAN. Unlike tariffs which could be eliminated entirely, a world without NTMs would be hard to imagine as they can play an important role in ensuring the quality of goods. As countries become wealthier, demand for better quality and greater safety of products is inevitable. However, not all NTMs are benign; some of them can complicate business rather than achieving their main goals. To improve the trade environment and make NTMs work for the common good, ASEAN should break with the 'trade negotiation' approach and strive instead for regional transparency, further cooperation in conformity assessment procedures, and dynamic disciplines.

This book explores relevant issues related to NTMs and their relation to regional integration issues in ASEAN countries. It discusses contemporary issues related to NTMs in the region, including recent world trends, regulatory convergence, government procurement, and environmental issues. The studies in this book employ relevant impact analysis methodologies for NTMs, from ad-valorem equivalent (AVE) to CGE modeling.

The data on NTMs for then ten ASEAN countries are available at: TRAINS

Full Report 

Regional Integration and NTM in ASEAN

Contents

Title Page

Foreword

Contents

List of Authors

List of Figures and Tables

Acknowledgement 

Chapter 1. NTM in ASEAN Looking Ahead: From Protection to Precaution

Chapter 2. Non-Tariff Measures in International Trade: Classification, Data and Recent World Trends

Chapter 3. Impacts of NTMs on Trade and Welfare: A Case Study on ASEAN

Chapter 4. Ad Valorem Equivalents of Non-Tariff Measures in ASEAN

Chapter 5. Non-Tariff Measures and The Impact of Regulatory convergence in ASEAN

Chapter 6. NTMs in ASEAN: Ways Toward Regulatory Convergence

Chapter 7. Reform to Improve Transparency and Streamline NTMs in the ASEAN-5

Chapter 8. Good Practices in Dealing with NTMs in CLMV: How can they be leveraged?

Chapter 9. Government Procurement in ASEAN: Issues and How to Move Forward

Chapter 10. NTMs and other Trade Measures for the Environment in ASEAN

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