Entwicklungstendenzen der internationalen Handelsordnung

Abstract

Trends of Development in the System of International Trade. — A widely accepted practice of starting from the actual system of international trade when estimating future developments presupposes that no important changes in the system will occur. The author does not consider such an assumption justified. Even now, the beginnings of a modification of the rules of international trade in favour of development countries may be clearly discerned. These countries are largely exempt from an obligation to liberalize their trade. The principle of reciprocity does not apply to them. Also, the author is of opinion that plans to grant preferential treatment to development countries will sooner or later materialize, which would mean giving up the most-favoured nation clause. In addition, there are the changes due to the formation of regional economic groupings. Apart from the undeniable progress of both EEC and EFT A, the author expects a progressive integration in Latin America as well as Africa. Consequently, it is to be expected that, in the years ahead, the system of international trade will be further complicated by exception, preference and discrimination, all of which will probably lead also to changes in the flow of trade.