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GATT and the “Uruguay Round”

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Intereconomics

Abstract

In September 1986, a ministerial conference staged in Punta del Este, Uruguay, gave the starting signal for a new GATT round. This round will be a test of the adaptability and reformability of the multilateral trading system. The following article examines the issues involved and the ensuing conflicts, of interest.

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References

  1. Cf. for example, H. J. Petersen et al: Der internationale Handel mit Dienstleistungen aus der Sicht der Bundesrepublik Deutschland-Entwicklung, Handel, Politik, DIW-Beiträge zur Strukturforschung, No. 78, 1984.

  2. Cf. Strukturbericht 1983, Institut für Weltwirtschaft, Kiel.

  3. Cf. E. Gerken et al: Mehr Arbeitsplätze durch Subventionsabbau, Kieler Diskussionsbeiträge Nos. 113/114, October 1985; also R. Adlung: Subventionen: Dauerthema und Dauerleiden?, List Forum, Vol. 13, 1985/86, No. 4, pp. 156 ff. The functioning of the subsidy system as described can also be presumed to be similar as far as other interventions are concerned (e.g external protection) which could be used as an alternative towards achieving the same (protective and distributive) aims. Nor is it likely that an assessment of other industrial countries would produce any markedly more favourable results, indeed the indications available suggest the opposite might be true. Certain imbalances in the political process are the factor ultimately responsible for this—not all requests for economic and social support are equally effectively backed up by organized groups, with those wishing to defend the status quo generally holding more sway. Mancur Olson, in particular, has very succinctly set out the determinants playing, the most essential part. Cf. M. Olson: The Rise and Decline of Nations. Economic Growth, Stagnation and Social Rigidities, New York 1985, pp. 36 ff.

  4. M. Olson, op. cit. The Rise and Decline of Nations. Economic Growth, Stagnation and Social Rigidities, New York 1985, p. 144.

  5. Cf., for example, B. Balassa: Trade Creation and Diversion in the European Common Market: An Appraisal of the Evidence, in: B. Balassa et al.: European Economic Integration, New York 1975, p. 116.

  6. Cf. J. J. Nogués et al.: The Extent of Nontariff Barriers to Imports of Industrial Countries, World Bank Staff Working Papers, No. 789, Washington 1986, pp. 29 and 33.

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  7. E. Dell. Of Free Trade and Reciprocity. The World Economy, vol. 9, 1986, No. 2, p. 133.

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  8. Cf. H. J. Petersen et al., op. cit.. p. 48.

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  9. Cf. E. Dell op. cit., pp. 135 f.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal Ministry of Economics, Bonn

    Rudolf Adlung

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  1. Rudolf Adlung
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The article is a reflection exclusively of the author’s own personal views. The author is grateful to Ullrich Mohrmann for his critical suggestions and his patience in discussions.

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Adlung, R. GATT and the “Uruguay Round”. Intereconomics 22, 14–20 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02929790

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02929790

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