Non Tariff Barriers More Damaging Than Tariffs


 
GLOBAL trade has been rattled by the sudden jacking up and shifting down of tariff rates by the US. No country has been spared from the impact, with some feeling the impact more than others.
However, not all trade barriers are tariff-based as countries have a range of strategic, political, and economic motivations for regulating trade beyond simply collecting revenue.
In recent decades, non-tariff barriers (NTBs) have become increasingly popular as tools for protecting domestic economies in more subtle ways.
Our own palm biodiesel export to the European Union (EU) is one which has been subjected to such measures, under the guise of climate concerns. There are reasons why this is happening.
Tariffs are more visible and politically sensitive. They are easy to spot and often spark immediate retaliation.
When a country imposes a tariff, affected trading partners usually respond with their own tariffs, escalating tensions. Trade agreements and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules have gradually reduced tariffs globally, making them less available as tools for protection.
Non-tariff barriers on the other hand offer flexibility and subtlety. Countries now use a variety of non-tariff measures that can serve the same protective functions without openly violating international trade agreements.
These include import quotas limiting the quantity of certain goods entering the country. Another is licensing requirements which require special import permits.
Cases of technical barriers to trade impose standards related to safety, quality, or labelling that make it harder for foreign products to compete.
Another tactic is to deploy customs procedures and bureaucratic delays, slowing down imports through complex paperwork or inspections.
Subsidies for local industries are also non-tariffs. This involves giving domestic producers a competitive edge without directly taxing imports. Many NTBs are designed to appear legitimate and in line with WTO rules, especially those related to health, safety, or environmental standards.
This allows countries to protect local industries while avoiding direct conflict with international trade laws. Such NTBs are driven by economic nationalism.
(Image: Unsplash/Dominik Luckmann)Countries are increasingly motivated by concerns about National security (banning certain foreign tech products), supply chain resilience (especially after COVID-19), protecting infant industries that need time to develop competitiveness and climate and sustainability goals (e.g., carbon border taxes, eco-labelling).
NTBs can be tailored to support these broader policy objectives in ways that tariffs cannot. There are some real-world examples. EU’s food safety standards involving ban on hormone-treated beef act as barriers for US meat exports is one example.
The global trade landscape has evolved. As countries navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, and sustainability concerns, NTBs are likely to continue growing in importance.
NTBs to trade are often considered more damaging than traditional tariff barriers. Unlike tariffs, which are clear and quantifiable (10% tax on imports), NTBs are often ambiguous and unpredictable.
Examples include complex regulatory standards, arbitrary licensing rules, and sudden import bans or quotas. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for exporters to plan long-term business strategies, increasing trade risks.
NTBs often impose significant administrative and financial burdens, such as, conforming to different product standards (EU’s REACH regulations on chemicals), customs delays due to excessive paperwork, and testing and certification costs Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are disproportionately affected, as they lack the resources to meet these requirements.
Many NTBs are designed to appear neutral but effectively block foreign competition, a form of disguised protectionism.
Examples include sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures (strict food safety rules that may not be scientifically justified), local content requirements (forcing firms to use domestically sourced materials), and discriminatory government procurement policies.
Unlike tariffs which are negotiated and bound under WTO rules, NTBs are harder to challenge legally. NTBs can create artificial monopolies by restricting foreign competitors. They also increase consumer prices by limiting supply. And reduce innovation by shielding domestic industries from global competition.
Because NTBs are less transparent, they often provoke retaliatory actions, leading to escalating trade conflicts (China’s non-tariff restrictions on Australian wine and coal in response to political disputes, for instance).
WTO rules are less effective against NTBs. While the WTO regulates tariffs, many NTBs fall into “grey areas” where enforcement is weak. Dispute resolution is slow, and proving discrimination is difficult.
NTBs are often more harmful than tariffs because they are less visible, more complex, and more distortive to trade.
While tariffs generate revenue for governments, NTBs primarily create inefficiencies, raise costs, and reduce market access, ultimately harming both businesses and consumers. 
The author is affiliated with the Tan Sri Omar Centre for STI Policy Studies at UCSI University and is an associate fellow at the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.


Artikel ini hanyalah simpanan cache dari url asal penulis yang berkebarangkalian sudah terlalu lama atau sudah dibuang :

http://malaysiansmustknowthetruth.blogspot.com/2025/05/non-tariff-barriers-more-damaging-than.html

Kempen Promosi dan Iklan
Kami memerlukan jasa baik anda untuk menyokong kempen pengiklanan dalam website kami. Serba sedikit anda telah membantu kami untuk mengekalkan servis percuma aggregating ini kepada semua.

Anda juga boleh memberikan sumbangan anda kepada kami dengan menghubungi kami di sini
More To Ph Bn S Sabah Statement Than Meets The Eye

More To Ph Bn S Sabah Statement Than Meets The Eye

papar berkaitan - pada 11/5/2025 - jumlah : 173 hits
Sabahans like their Sarawak counterparts are deeply suspicious of the peninsula s brand of politics and want to chart their own future was reached on Thursday between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim the PH chairman and his BN counterpart and d...
No More Language Barriers Oppo Find N5 Bridges Cultures With Ai Translation

No More Language Barriers Oppo Find N5 Bridges Cultures With Ai Translation

papar berkaitan - pada 10/5/2025 - jumlah : 180 hits
Speaking just English isn t always enough Sometimes you ll find yourself in places where everyone only speaks the local language That s when OPPO Find N5 becomes your must have travel buddy
Bintulu Cops Hunting 11 More Suspects Over Deadly Brawl

Bintulu Cops Hunting 11 More Suspects Over Deadly Brawl

papar berkaitan - pada 4/5/2025 - jumlah : 152 hits
So far nine individuals including a woman have been arrested and remanded to assist in the investigation A brawl outside an entertainment centre in Bintulu Sarawak on April 27 resulted in the death of a 28 year old man PETALING JAYA Police ...
Selangor To Be More Aggressive In Tackling Floods

Selangor To Be More Aggressive In Tackling Floods

papar berkaitan - pada 4/5/2025 - jumlah : 108 hits
Executive councillor Izham Hashim says the state government would go ahead with building major drains or water gates if there are no other options Residents of Kampung Padang Jawa in Klang Selangor were affected by flash floods that struck ...
How Many More Journalists Must Die Rsf

How Many More Journalists Must Die Rsf

papar berkaitan - pada 6/5/2025 - jumlah : 180 hits
Despite the unprecented culling of reporters in occupied Palestine Israel has lost only 11 spots on RSF s World Press Free Index China is still considered dangerous Malaysia is up by only 19 placesKuala Lumpur 5 May Over 200 journalists men...
Umno Join Bersatu Mp Says More Appropriate That Mca Joins Dap

Umno Join Bersatu Mp Says More Appropriate That Mca Joins Dap

papar berkaitan - pada 4/5/2025 - jumlah : 216 hits
A DAP lawmaker has entered the fray in the ongoing tit for tat between Umno and Bersatu suggesting that MCA a government partner is the party that should be disbanded and absorbed into another Kampar MP Chong Zhemin said Bersatu president M...
Moh S Shortcomings Perpetuating Healthcare Sector Brain Drain With More Doctors Migrating Down Under

Moh S Shortcomings Perpetuating Healthcare Sector Brain Drain With More Doctors Migrating Down Under

papar berkaitan - pada 7/5/2025 - jumlah : 133 hits
RECENT issues with the Health Ministry s e placement system for medical officers have caused widespread anger and frustration among doctors particularly those transitioning to permanent positions The delays and cancellations of initial plac...
More Malay Parents Choose Chinese Schools For Academic Edge Survey Finds

More Malay Parents Choose Chinese Schools For Academic Edge Survey Finds

papar berkaitan - pada 14/5/2025 - jumlah : 120 hits
A study by the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute however finds that many parents will choose a national school if it has a better academic reputation than a Chinese vernacular school report titled The Malay Turn to Vernacular Chinese Schools in M...
4wd Driver In Plus Crash Remanded Cops Seek More Witnesses

4wd Driver In Plus Crash Remanded Cops Seek More Witnesses

papar berkaitan - pada 13/5/2025 - jumlah : 117 hits
The pillion rider of the motorcycle sideswiped by the four wheel drive is in ICU A viral video showed a four wheel drive hitting the motorcycle as it tried to overtake it on the left lane of the highway PETALING JAYA The driver of a four wh...
Myguardian Rewards Fiesta Untuk Anda Yang Setia Jom Raikannya

Breakfast Di Ruang Makan Kitchen Double Tree By Hilton Hotel

Why Is A Non Muslim Dap Rep Be Allowed To Poke His Nose In The Running Of Islamic Affairs

Isu Hibah Takaful Rm1 Juta Dicabar Kenapa Isteri Hanya Dapat 1 8 Berapa Jumlah

Mb Selangor Amirudin Goyang Mungkin Mangsa Seterusnya Yang Bakal Kena Kerat

Kurma Muda

Aku Koyakkan Baju Dia Posting Bos Susu Raih Perhatian Ramai Promote Ais Krim Guna Double Meaning

Cara Simpan Daun Bawang Dan Ketumbar Sebulan Pun Segar Lagi


echo '';
Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Dendam Seorang Madu Slot Tiara Astro Prima

10 Fakta Biodata Amira Othman Yang Digosip Dengan Fattah Amin Penyanyi Lagu Bila Nak Kahwin

5 Tips Macam Mana Nak Ajak Orang Kita Suka Dating Dengan Kita

Info Dan Sinopsis Drama Berepisod Keluarga Itu Slot Lestary TV3

Bolehkah Manusia Transgender Mencapai Klimaks Selepas Bertukar


Tempah Makanan Di Pondok Mama

Kelantan 2 Pemandu Jentolak Maut Jatuh Cerun Gaung

Tengku Zafrul Keluar Umno Zahid Tuntut Kuota Menteri Dikembalikan Umno Layak Mohon Satu Kerusi

Bukan Wakil Rakyat Tengku Zafrul Tak Perlu Bayar Pampasan Rm100 Juta Tok Mat

Anwar Warns Against New Geopolitical Orthodoxy Reaffirms Asean Centrality

Has Malaysia Ever Seen Ministers Resign When They Lose Support