Aid for trade might facilitate ‘deep’ trade agreements, but it’s not that simple

Stender, Frederik / Tim Vogel
External Publications (2023)

published on blogs.lse.ac.uk, 15.12.2023

International trade, vital for inclusive growth, faces shifts as preferential trade agreements (PTAs) expand beyond tariff reduction. “Deep” PTAs now cover diverse policy areas, requiring significant domestic reforms, but compliance can strain developing countries. Frederik Stender and Tim Vogel write that trade-related assistance could help implement these agreements, but increasing commitments could also jeopardise the effectiveness of aid for trade at the bilateral trade level.