Abstract
In this study new free-trade agreements are discussed, which are based on the breaking down of tariff and technical barriers and normally exclude most of the poorest countries in the world. Considering the current context of economic globalization and its health impacts, seven controversial points of these treaties and their possible implications for global public health are presented, mainly regarding health equity and other health determinants. Finally, this research proposes a greater social and health professionals participation in the formulation and discussion of these treaties, and a deeper insertion of Brazil in this important international agenda.
Highlights
International trade demonstrates the increased spatial interdependence between the global economies: immense flows of capitals, goods, raw materials, services, and people are part of a new stage of globalization.Trade deals, today, are different from those made in previous decades, which were focused on lowering tariffs to decrease prices of goods for consumers and, at the same time, were based on products adapted to their environments.Nowadays, massive international trade can be a disruptive economic and social force, as it changes the conditions in which wealth is distributed within nations and economies, due to changes it causes in prices of products, in employment rates, wages, social and environmental conditions.[2]
Massive international trade can be a disruptive economic and social force, as it changes the conditions in which wealth is distributed within nations and economies, due to changes it causes in prices of products, in employment rates, wages, social and environmental conditions.[2]
Most industrial processes that initially took place in developed economies were relocated to developing countries, with lower production costs, namely due to cheaper labor, proximity to raw material and expanding markets, lower environmental standards and tax rebates, but, at the same time, providing better paid jobs for their population
Summary
International trade demonstrates the increased spatial interdependence between the global economies: immense flows of capitals, goods, raw materials, services, and people are part of a new stage of globalization. Massive international trade can be a disruptive economic and social force, as it changes the conditions in which wealth is distributed within nations and economies, due to changes it causes in prices of products, in employment rates, wages, social and environmental conditions.[2] Whole economic regions might be disrupted by a massive import trade, with consequent unemployment, ill-health, and suffering. Another important point is that, currently, most of trade flows concern corporations exchanging parts and goods with other corporations, or within the same corporation. Most industrial processes that initially took place in developed economies were relocated to developing countries, with lower production costs, namely due to cheaper labor, proximity to raw material and expanding markets, lower environmental standards and tax rebates, but, at the same time, providing better paid jobs for their population
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