Unilateral tariff preferences in favour of developing countries are usually regarded as a "second-best" arrangement that may also divide developing countries. There have also been efforts to improve the scope and operation of various schemes, notably the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and more recent initiatives such as the European Union´s "Everything But Arms" (EBA) scheme for least-developed countries (LDCs) or the United States´ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Using new data sources on a time series basis, this study analyses, in some detail, past and present features of these preferential market access initiatives of the Quad countries.
The study concludes by recommending that, to be effective, trade preferences should be stable and cover all products with rules of origin and related administrative procedures that reflect the supply capacity and industrial development of LDCs.
