Trade Barriers Research Articles

Масштабування українського бізнесу на європейський ринок

Based on the analysis of information sources on business scaling, enterprises were categorized by size and, in turn, by the type of activity of the enterprise. Initially, we analyzed information on Ukraine's cooperation with other countries. The analysis of statistics allows you to identify the countries that show the greatest demand for the products or services that your company produces. This will help you focus your marketing efforts and resources on the most profitable areas.Export statistics indicate the existence of trade barriers, such as duties, quotas, technical regulations, etc. We took into account business scaling strategies for international markets and selected scaling variations by content, in turn, we identified: franchising, branches, subsidiary, outsourcing, joint venture. The next step was to study the strategies of successful Ukrainian companies that have entered foreign markets. In particular, the following brands were identified: “Ruslan Baginsky, M-TAC, and Sandora. The factors that directly contributed to this are analyzed and general patterns and trends are identified. A capsule model of business scaling to the European market has been developed, which provides for the entry of a product into the European market with a 100% profit. This model will allow the company to minimize risks, optimize costs, and quickly adapt to changes in the environment. The European market has its own peculiarities when expanding your business, in particular: each EU country has its own laws and regulations governing business activities. This applies to technical regulations, tax legislation, and labor relations. The EU has a strong consumer protection system. This means that companies must be prepared for various types of claims and lawsuits. The creation of such a model will allow entrepreneurs to scale up virtually risk-free, which in turn will increase foreign exchange earnings and demonstrate a certain level of the country. By entering foreign markets, Ukrainian businesses will take a strategic step that will open up new opportunities for growth and development. Given the current factors, this model may well help entrepreneurs to scale up.

IMPACTS OF CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE ON GROWTH OF TURKISH SMEs

Purpose- Cross-border e-commerce has emerged as a critical enabler for the globalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the transformative impact of digital marketplaces, innovative payment systems, and logistics advancements on the internationalization of Turkish SMEs. Leveraging a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from industry stakeholders. The findings highlight the significant role of platforms such as Amazon and Alibaba in reducing market entry barriers, the importance of secure digital payment systems in fostering trust, and the contribution of logistics innovations to the growth of small-package exports. By aligning with global consumer trends and leveraging digital tools, Turkish SMEs can overcome traditional trade barriers, enhance competitiveness, and access broader markets. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for policymakers and SMEs, emphasizing the need for regulatory support and investment in digital infrastructure to maximize the benefits of cross-border e-commerce. Methodology- The study was carried with a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative Analysis: Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), and global e-commerce platforms were analyzed to track export trends, marketplace performance, and consumer behavior. Qualitative Insights: Interviews with SME owners, e-commerce experts, and policymakers provided in-depth perspectives on challenges and opportunities. And as case studies, Successful Turkish SMEs from sectors like textiles and food were examined to identify strategies for internationalization. Findings- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated e-commerce adoption in Turkey, leading to substantial growth in online spending and reshaping various sectors of the economy. Below are some of the main findings; platform Impact, global marketplaces significantly increase SME visibility and reduce market entry barriers; digital payment systems, enable secure, efficient transactions, fostering trust among international customers; small package exports, innovations in logistics, such as faster shipping, have fueled SME participation in global trade; post-Covid consumer behavior, the pandemic accelerated global e-commerce adoption, creating new opportunities for Turkish SMEs. Conclusion- Cross-border e-commerce represents a transformative opportunity for Turkish SMEs, enabling them to overcome traditional barriers and compete effectively in global markets. By leveraging digital platforms, payment innovations, and logistics advancements, SMEs can drive growth, internationalization, and competitiveness. Strategic support from policymakers will be crucial in maximizing the potential of this digital trade revolution. Keywords: E-commerce, marketplaces, international trade, digital payment systems JEL Codes: F23, L26, L81, O31

Global trade dynamics' impact on food pricing and supply chain resilience: A quantitative model

This study explores the influence of global trade dynamics on food pricing and supply chain resilience, focusing on the development of a quantitative model that examines the relationships between trade policies, economic indicators, and trade volumes. As fluctuations in trade policies—such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies—directly impact food prices and market stability, this model provides a structured framework for assessing these variables’ interdependencies. By integrating data on trade flows, currency exchange rates, and commodity prices, the model quantifies the effects of protective and liberalized trade measures on both local and international food markets. This approach allows for identifying trends in pricing volatility linked to policy shifts, thereby offering insights into areas vulnerable to trade disruptions and external economic shocks. The resilience of the food supply chain is measured by evaluating metrics such as delivery times, supplier diversity, and inventory levels across regions affected by trade policy changes. The findings emphasize that trade barriers can result in price spikes, delays, and supply shortages, while open trade policies generally support market flexibility and pricing stability. Additionally, the model incorporates economic indicators such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, and unemployment rates, which correlate with food demand and purchasing power, thereby further influencing price and supply chain stability. Future research could leverage this model to develop adaptive strategies that strengthen supply chain resilience under various global trade conditions. Suggested adaptations include diversifying suppliers, increasing inventory buffers, and enhancing predictive analytics for better demand forecasting. By integrating these adaptive measures, stakeholders can mitigate adverse effects on food accessibility and affordability in both developed and emerging economies. This research contributes to the literature on food security, highlighting the need for resilient trade policies and supply chain strategies in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

HARMONIZING TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR INTRA-AFRICA TRADE: A DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PERSPECTIVE.

In today's interconnected world, the framework of ICT infrastructure acts as the bedrock for enabling economic growth, allowing innovation, and furthering sustainable development. This paper undertakes a deep dive into critical components constituting appropriate technology infrastructure and its central role in the digital transformation journey. The paper relates how changing fortunes of digital transformation are bringing efficiency across industries and revolutionizing many sectors, by examining its multi-dimensional impact. A major concern of this research is related to digital transformation implications on intra-African trade. The paper looks into the myriads of challenges faced by the African nations in harmonizing their technological resources, which include gaps in ICT development, regulatory challenges, and the digital divide. Despite these challenges, the paper also highlights some of the opportunities that digital transformation presents for improving trade within the continent. Such opportunities include better supply chain management, improved market access, and the possibility of creating new business models with the use of digital platforms.The paper also identifies strategic approaches that can easily help to realize such barriers in seamless trade within Africa. It discusses regional cooperation and policy harmonization for the realization of an enabling environment to achieve that growth of ICT. The role of public-private partnership to drive infrastructural development and innovation is further assessed, outlining successful case studies and best practices within and outside the continent. This paper heightens the call for concerted effort in harnessing the full potentials of ICT infrastructure in Africa. The digital transformation, with the challenges and opportunities it presents, needs to be harnessed into a factor for extraordinary intracontinental trade growth that engenders broad-based economic growth and sustainable development of African economies. The ideas in this paper shall help give critical insight to policymakers, industry players, and researchers on steps leading to an integrated and economically buoyant Africa.

Trade Policies and Export Barriers in Afghanistan: Threats and Opportunities on the Path to Trade Development from the

This study aims to examine the impact of trade policies, infrastructure, political stability, security concerns, and the economic environment on trade development in Afghanistan. Data were collected through a questionnaire with 31 respondents and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson regression. The results indicate that Afghanistan’s current trade policies generally hinder trade development (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). The transportation and logistics infrastructure are inadequate and inefficient, negatively affecting trade development (r = 0.50, p < 0.02). Political instability and frequent changes in government policies create an insecure and unpredictable business environment, impeding trade development (r = 0.45, p < 0.03). Security concerns and risks along trade routes lead to delays and losses in trade (r = 0.40, p < 0.04). Additionally, the decline in foreign investment and weaknesses in business environment indicators reduce Afghanistan’s competitiveness and trade development (r = 0.48, p < 0.02). The study’s recommendations include revising and improving trade policies, investing in transportation and logistics infrastructure, establishing political stability, enhancing security conditions, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening regional trade cooperation. Implementing these recommendations can help increase exports, attract foreign investment, and ultimately boost the country’s economic growth. This study assists policymakers and decision-makers in focusing on improving these variables to accelerate trade development in Afghanistan and achieve sustainable development.

Does opinion really matter: World Trade Organization’s members’ stance on India’s anti-dumping policy?

India’s foreign trade policy has considerably evolved in the past 70 years. The trade policy choices reflect the changing rationale for using trade barriers over a period of time. In the past 27 years, anti-dumping (AD) measures have been used extensively among many trade instruments. India has filed 17% of the total global AD petitions, that is, 1130 out of 6582 cases between 1995 and 2022. The current study attempts to understand India’s AD policy position through the World Trade Organization’s Trade Policy Review Mechanism. Though a popular method for qualitative and quantitative analyses in management, psychology, health care sciences and communications, content analysis has been sparingly used in the international trade policy domain. An attempt has been made to apply qualitative content analysis research techniques in assessing the Minutes of the Meeting documents of the Trade Policy Reviews conducted for India. Several issues raised by the Members and potential explanations by India are identified that could enhance the government’s AD policy decisions.

Research on the impact of trade barriers on the binary marginal of enterprise exports: India's anti-dumping of China

ABSTRACT This paper derives a theoretical model of the impact of anti-dumping barriers on enterprise exports under the framework of heterogeneous firm trade theory and evaluates the trade-damaging effect of India's anti-dumping against China. The results show that the export volume and the number of export enterprises involved in anti-dumping cases show a downward trend after the anti-dumping is imposed. After controlling for heterogeneity, anti-dumping does not reduce the exports of incumbent enterprises. Anti-dumping mainly affects the exports of Chinese enterprises through the expansion margin, and has a small impact on the intensification margin. This research provides references for improving international trade development.

Green Trade Barriers in the Context of Globalization: Legal Challenges and Countermeasures

The acceleration of globalization has brought about the deepening of economic cooperation, but also triggered an urgent need for environmental protection. Green trade barriers, as a trade restriction measure in the name of environmental protection, have gradually become an important factor in international trade. Major countries and regions have widely implemented green trade barriers, which have made enterprises face complex trade obstacles and affected the international trade order and domestic industrial competitiveness. Although previous studies have explored the impact and implementation of green trade barriers, there are still certain research gaps regarding their legitimacy under the framework of international law, their actual effects on environmental protection, and their specific impacts on domestic industries. Studying the legitimacy of green trade barriers under the framework of international law will help to clarify their reasonable limits. Evaluating their actual effects on environmental protection and analyzing their impact on domestic industries will help provide a scientific basis for policy making and promote a win-win situation for the economy and the environment. This article conducts research from three aspects: current dilemma, in-depth analysis, and optimization path, to provide possible opinions and response strategies for solving the problem of green trade barriers.

Patent Abuse in the Context of International Law

Misuse of intellectual property rights is not uncommon, and often occurs particularly between developed and developing countries. This has a great negative impact on the progress of developing countries, global scientific and technological development and economic efficiency. The author hopes to strengthen the attention to this problem and effectively regulate the abusive behavior through the study of this issue. The definition of intellectual property abuse is vague, and this paper provides a preliminary understanding by summarizing the four basic constituent elements. Focusing on patent trolls, the paper analyzes the embodiment of intellectual property abusive behaviors and coping strategies. This paper analyzes the Wireless Planet v. Huawei case related to standard essential patents against the background of the TRIPS Agreement, FRAND principle, and the combination of trade barriers and breakthroughs to the traditional jurisdictional system of patent rights. In addition, this paper compares the intellectual property laws of China and the United States, and China and Japan, and analyzes the antagonism between developed home and developing home in this field.

Green Trade Barriers in Global Play: Legal Challenges and Strategic Opportunities for Developing Countries

This paper examines the challenges and strategic responses of developing countries to green trade barriers within the framework of global economic integration. Green trade barriers, primarily non-tariff measures established by developed countries for environmental protection, pose significant challenges to the international market entry of products from developing countries, affecting their economic growth and trade dynamics. This study explores how developing countries can leverage international environmental agreements, ISO 14000 standards, and legal reforms to mitigate these barriers. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing environmental standards, fostering international cooperation, and advocating for transparent legal frameworks to align with global environmental practices. The paper also discusses the role of organizations like APEC and the impact of agreements such as the Environmental Goods Agreement in harmonizing standards and reducing trade disputes. By adopting comprehensive strategies and embracing a shift towards a green economy, developing countries can not only overcome these barriers but also enhance their competitiveness in the global market.

Identifying and Analysing Constraints in the Branded Rice Market: A Comprehensive Study of Stakeholders in Kerala, India

The study assessed the various constraints faced by the stakeholders in branded rice market in Kerala. These stakeholders include farmers, exporters, non-exporting private rice manufacturers, co-operative society, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. By examining the constraints across the branded rice market from production to consumption, the study aimed to identify the critical issues like, production constraints, procurement constraints, marketing constraints, institutional constraints export constraint and financial constraints. A sample of 30 farmers and one agent, five exporters and 10 non-exporters 20 wholesalers and 30 retailers and 120 consumers from Ernakulam and Palakkad districts were selected for the study. The study identified the major problems faced by the stakeholders of branded rice market by using Garret’s ranking method. Farmers were facing difficulties in rice production due to high input costs, high labour costs and untimely availability of water. Delay in procurement from SUPPLYCO and adequate facilities for drying and cleaning compel them to sell their produce in the open market. There was a communication gap between institutions and farmers. Lack of transportation facilities, high maintenance cost of machinery and financial difficulties were the major constraints faced by PADDICO. High transportation cost, high international trade barriers and price volatility were the major constraints faced by private manufacturers of branded rice. Heavy documentation & procedures was the major constraint faced by exporters. Lack of demand of branded rice was the major constraint faced by resellers. High price was the major constraint faced by the consumers. The high cost of production faced by farmers can be reduced by improved mechanisation in the rice cultivation. The study also recommended the suggestions for the constraints of other market stakeholders of branded rice market.

The Impact of Barriers to Trade In Digital Services on Innovation in Manufacturing Firms

Digital trade in services strengthens the flow and sharing of high-end knowledge, technology, talents and other resources among countries and industries, promotes the accelerated optimization and integration of the global industrial chain and innovation chain, and digital trade in services can further activate the innovation factors and release the innovation potential, injecting new momentum for the innovation and development of Chinese enterprises in the context of the new era. Barriers to trade in digital services refer to various policies, regulations or measures against the cross-border flow of digital services, which may restrict the cross-border transactions of digital service providers and limit consumers' access to and use of digital services. The rapid development of the digital economy has led to further expansion of trade in digital services, which are now deeply integrated into the manufacturing sector. At the same time, barriers to trade in digital services are an issue that cannot be ignored. This paper examines the impact of digital service trade barriers on manufacturing firms' innovation based on micro evidence from listed companies in China from 2014-2019, and finds that digital service trade barriers inhibit firms' technological innovation by hindering their digital transformation, lowering the level of firms' information sharing, and preventing firms from engaging in international innovation cooperation.

Effect of green trade barriers on export enterprise green technological innovation from the perspective of the low-carbon city pilot policy

The low-carbon city pilot policy (LCCPP) is an important part of achieving “dual carbon” goals and promoting green technology innovation (GTI) in Chinese export enterprises. This study integrates Green Technical Barriers to Trade (GTBTs), LCCPP, and the GTI of exporting enterprises into a unified framework based on data from A-share market Chinese non-financial export enterprises from 2007 to 2021 and discusses how export enterprises should optimize green innovation resource structure with support from LCCPP to facilitate enterprise GTI when facing GTBTs. Several findings are uncovered: (1) GTBTs have a significant negative impact on the GTI of Chinese export enterprises, and the LCCPP significantly mitigates the negative impact of GTBTs on export enterprises’ GTI. (2) After distinguishing the heterogeneous characteristics of export enterprises, the moderating effect of the LCCPP becomes even more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, general trade enterprises, and enterprises whose export destinations are high-income countries. (3) Further exploration of the moderating effect of the LCCPP with different policy instruments and intensities is needed. We found the best moderating effect on export enterprises’ GTI under high policy intensity, and only market-based policy instruments had a significant moderating effect. These findings provide direction for policymakers expanding the pilot scope of low-carbon cities as well as theoretical support for realizing foreign trade growth for sustainable development.

EU trade agreements and external differentiation: a large language model approach

The EU’s trade agreements with third countries exhibit varying degrees of alignment with intra-EU rules. What factors explain this external differentiation? This article answers this question by relying on a large language model to measure the alignment of 62 EU trade agreements with intra-EU rules at the level of individual topics, such as trade in goods, intellectual property rights, or sustainable development. The results indicate that this alignment is higher for third countries (1) with large trade flows with the EU; (2) with an EU membership perspective; and (3) with a medium level of regulatory capacity. These associations are particularly pronounced for provisions tackling behind-the-border trade barriers. These findings contribute to the literature on external differentiation and advance our understanding of EU trade policy and preferential trade agreements.

Article: Redefining Global Trade: The Interplay of Geopolitics, Economic Resilience, and Sustainability?

This paper explores the shifting dynamics of global trade amid rising geopolitical tensions between the United States, the European Union, and China. It traces the evolution from post-World War II American-led globalization to hyperglobalization, where China emerged as a global manufacturing powerhouse. While hyperglobalization spurred economic growth and lowered consumer prices, it also led to job losses, income inequality, and environmental degradation in developed economies.The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing US-China trade conflict have accelerated a shift towards economic resilience and national security. The US has responded by decoupling from China, particularly in critical sectors like technology and clean energy, viewing economic policy as integral to national security. Meanwhile, the EU, though aligned with the US in geopolitical concerns, remains economically dependent on China and has adopted a more regulatory approach. The EU seeks to balance its economic ties with China by leveraging trade regulations, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), to encourage Chinese investment while promoting higher environmental and social standards.The paper also examines the increasing influence of environmental policies on trade, noting how both the US and EU are integrating sustainability into their trade frameworks. However, this trend raises concerns about the potential for environmental regulations to become trade barriers, further complicating international relations.

Structural Decomposition of the Economic Growth in the Croatian Economy

Abstract Croatia has been falling behind more successful new member states and belongs to the group of the least developed EU economies. After joining the EU, the availability of European structural funds, the removal of all trade barriers, and the strong growth of the tourism sector resulted in accelerating growth rates. This paper aims to decompose the total economic growth in the Croatian economy in the 2010-2018 period into the effect of increasing demand and technology improvements. The study is based on the structural decomposition analysis, which is the extension of the input-output model and has been widely used in previous studies in many economies to identify the driving forces of economic growth over a certain period. Based on empirical results, it can be concluded that the total final demand effects related to the increase in the total expenditures on the total economy level have been three times more intensive than the effects of technological change. It is estimated that the increase in final demand positively affected economic activity in each sector, while the distribution of technological change effects significantly varies. The highest positive impacts of technological change are found in the manufacturing, agri-food, and hospitality sectors. On the other hand, adverse effects of technological change are found in energy products, trade and transport, and various personal and business services. Significant variations are found in the growth dynamics of manufacturing sectors. The highest cumulative growth in 2010-2018 has been recorded in the production of computers and electronics, furniture, machinery and equipment, and wood products. In the case of computers, machinery, and furniture, the main effects are related to the product mix effects. At the same time, the economic growth of the wood industry is primarily the result of technological effects and increased participation in the supply chain of other industries.

SWOT Analysis and Strategy Research on the Impact of Green Trade Barriers on the Export of Wuyi Mountain Rock Tea

In the realm of globalization, green trade barriers have emerged as significant obstacles to the international export of Wuyi mountain rock tea from China. The progressively rigorous green trade barriers enacted by various nations, alongside challenges such as pesticide residues detected in Chinese Wuyi rock tea, have contributed to a notable increase in Wu yi mountain rock teas production expenses, thereby undermining its competitiveness in the global marketplace. This study employs a SWOT analysis framework to thoroughly assess the positioning of Wuyi tea exports, with the objective of formulating strategies to navigate green trade barriers and bolster global competitiveness. To accomplish this, the paper will initially address the current developmental status of Wuyi rock tea, followed by an examination of the eco-trade barriers instituted by key importing nations. Furthermore, through the calculation of competitive trade indices, it will investigate the waning competitiveness of Wuyi mountain rock tea as a result of these barriers. Lastly, potential solutions for overcoming the eco-trade challenges will be proposed by using the SWOT analysis methodology. As a result, the paper will offer innovative perspectives for the export advancement of Wuyi mountain rock tea.

Free trade and relative poverty nexus: Revisiting an age-old debate using a panel fixed approach

As trade volume has exponentially increased over the past decades, we investigated the impact of free trade on relative poverty using data from 123 countries between 1995 and 2018. In this investigation, we used three variables for free trade, reflecting three aspects of free trade, trade openness, trade barrier or trade freedom, and trade policy, and two variables for relative poverty; the income share of the bottom 10% and the bottom 20%. When economic growth, polity and socioeconomic factors are controlled for, we found that (1) trade openness hurts the poor, increasing relative poverty regardless of industrialization, (2) trade freedom benefits the poor, decreasing relative poverty although the poor in industrial countries are hurt by trade freedom, and (3) WTO membership as a proxy for a trade policy is not statistically significant to the poor, although it seems beneficial to the poor. Given these results, we conclude that free trade lowers relative poverty, implying that the income shares of the bottoms 10% and 20% can increase more than by 0.9%p and 1.5%p, respectively, as free trade is promoted.

Bulkiness of goods and the gravity of international trade: Differential impact of trade barriers

Bulkiness of goods and the gravity of international trade: Differential impact of trade barriers

Cross‐retaliation and international dispute settlement

AbstractAlthough politicians and the popular press often express the desire to link retaliation in trade agreements to non‐trade issues, the WTO discourages and usually disallows cross‐retaliation even among its own agreements. In this paper, we analyze the welfare implications of cross‐retaliation. We compare two different mechanisms in a two‐country two‐sector tariff‐setting political‐economy model with incomplete information. A country may temporarily raise trade barriers in response to political pressure and the extent of this pressure is private information. In a same‐sector retaliation mechanism a safeguard action, or other limited violation of the international trade agreement, is punished by an equivalent suspension of concessions in the sector where the initial deviation takes place. In a linked, or cross‐sector, retaliation mechanism retaliatory actions may be taken in another sector or agreement. We next consider less‐than‐equivalent suspensions of concessions whereby the probability of retaliation is less than unity. We then endogenize this probability and derive its optimal level separately for same‐ and cross‐sector retaliation. We also consider the long‐run viability of these self‐enforcing trade agreements. We show that whether retaliation is certain or probabilistic a cross‐sector retaliation mechanism can generate greater welfare and self‐enforcement capability than a same‐sector mechanism unless export‐oriented political pressure in the cross‐sector targeted for retaliation is high. Although cross‐sector retaliation is usually welfare improving, there may be little additional benefit to extending retaliation to a different agreement.