Despite lacking both evidence and theory, many economists claim trade liberalisation accelerates development. But only a few economies have gained many jobs from external market access.
Most economies have experienced greater deindustrialisation and food insecurity, besides deepening their vulnerability to recent tariff threats
Trade Liberalisation Undermines Development | Inter Press Service
The report reveals both the concentration of illicit flows in the region’s largest economies and some striking outliers among smaller states. Cumulatively over 2013 to 2022, the Western Hemisphere’s trade gaps totaled roughly $3.64 trillion.
The 16th Ministerial Conference of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 16) took place last week amid global trade disruptions and a severe funding crisis across the UN system. While these challenges underscore the growing importance of UNCTAD’s role as a heterodox body for trade and other economic policies, they also made it a difficult moment to define the organization’s mandate for the next four years. Nevertheless, the outcome document was adopted by consensus and it includes several noteworthy innovations to UNCTAD’s role.
UNCTAD 16 conference in Geneva: The right conference at the wrong time | Global Policy Forum Europe
The World Bank’s 1981 Berg Report provided the blueprint for structural adjustment, including economic liberalisation in Africa. Urging trade liberalisation, it promised growth from its supposed comparative advantage in agriculture.
No African Development from Western Trade Policies | Inter Press Service
Import taxes will be passed onto the consumer, while the rich will prosper from slashed taxes.
‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs Will Concentrate Wealth Even More – Inequality.org
The ITUC is deeply concerned by the reckless trade measures announced by the Trump administration.
Workers must not pay the price of an imposed trade war – International Trade Union Confederation
Africans have long been promised trade liberalisation would accelerate growth and structural transformation. Instead, it has cut its modest production capacities, industry and food security.
Trade Liberalisation Kicked Away African Development Ladder | Inter Press Service (ipsnews.net)
The World Bank has exaggerated probable gains from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote partial and uneven trade liberalisation that is unlikely to enhance development on the continent.
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