Section outline

  • Trade Preferences Outlook is a biannual publication of the UN Trade and Development which provides analysis on the state of the non-reciprocal trade preferences (NRTPs) offered to developing countries. NRTPs, such as the Generalized System of Preferences. By offering duty-free or duty-light access to advanced markets, these schemes have contributed to developing countries’ export expansion and integrating into global value chains. Recently, the stability and predictability of NRTPs have come under threat as preferential schemes expire, and economic fragmentation and protectionism undermine trade predictability.

    This course will discuss the effects of global uncertainty and the increasing use of unilateral tariffs on NRTP beneficiary countries, especially for LDCs and other vulnerable economies. It will also discuss concrete policy options for shaping the future of NRTPs so that preference-receiving developing countries and LDCs can foster sustained and inclusive growth and economic diversification. The course is relevant to SDG 17 on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

    At the end of this course, participants will have gained knowledge of:

    • Historical evolution and current state of non-reciprocal trade preferences.
    • The trade impacts of changes and uncertainty in preferential market access to preference-receiving developing countries, particularly LDCs.
    • The factors that influence the impact of trade preferences on beneficiary countries.
    • The ways to improve the existing non-reciprocal preferential market access.