Technical Barriers to Trade in "New Generation" RTAs and in the WTO Agreements: Conflict or Complementarity?

This book explores the interplay between cooperation on technical barriers to trade (TBT) in free trade agreements and the multilateral framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It highlights the positive and problematic aspects of TBT provisions in free trade agreements and suggests that a more optimal way forward would be to increase parallel work on TBT cooperation at the WTO. It also provides a detailed analysis of the methods used to navigate TBT cooperation and offers insight into how these agreements can serve as inspiration for future multilateral disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate interplay between cooperation on technical barriers to trade (TBT) in free trade agreements and the multilateral framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In recent years, TBT, particularly differences in standards, have garnered increased interest and have been addressed as part of the WTO+ negotiated agenda in trade agreements. However, due to various political and legal constraints, the process of further cooperation at the WTO has faced challenges, making free trade agreements a central pillar in setting the agenda of international trade governance.

This prompts us to reexamine the interrelationship between the WTO and free trade agreements and to question the role of both forums in shaping the future of trade.

The book explores specific TBT provisions in free trade agreements and highlights their positive and problematic aspects in terms of WTO-consistency and the principles of open and inclusive trade. It also suggests that a more optimal approach would involve increasing parallel work on TBT cooperation at the WTO, a more inclusive forum that can address issues of global significance, such as environmental protection and regulation of digital goods.

The book delves into the potential for trade agreements to advance the WTO agenda, recognizing that the organization would need to adapt its institutional structure and governance to achieve this. By examining the example of the EU and US "new generation" trade agreements, the book provides a detailed analysis of the various methods used to navigate TBT cooperation and offers insights into how these agreements can serve as inspiration for future multilateral disciplines.

This book is a valuable resource for trade law academics, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and trade. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between TBT and free trade agreements, providing valuable insights into the future of global trade governance.

Weight: 471g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031257902
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023