The structure of nontariff trade measures on agricultural products in high-income countries

This research identifies the principal forces behind the proliferation and growth of nontariff trade measures (NTM) on agricultural products. They include a structural gap between demand and supply elasticities, farm income problems, structural changes in the household, technological innovations, product proliferation and environmental concerns. After examining the total number of NTM, their frequency, diversity, and stacking, it is concluded that the use of NTM is widespread. The three most frequently used NTM in each country are direct trade restrictions such as quotas and permits. These measures are generally considered to be quite restrictive. ©1994 by John Wiley & Sons, lnc.