The trade creation effects of Africa’s reciprocal vis-à-vis non-reciprocal trade agreements

Abstract

The advancement of growth through the promotion of exports by granting developing countries preferential terms to rich markets is considered central in global trade policy negotiations. This paper investigates the impact of reciprocal versus non-reciprocal trade agreements on Africa’s trade. The study uses a gravity model with a 5-year-interval comprehensive dataset of 148 countries for the period 1970–2010. The results reveal that African reciprocal trade agreements perform better than non-reciprocal agreements in promoting exports and imports.