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The Puzzle of Agricultural Exceptionalism in International Trade Policy

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  • Michael Trebilcock
  • Kristen Pue

Abstract

This article first seeks to demonstrate the exceptional levels of protectionism accorded to the agricultural sector, especially in many developed countries. It reviews the principal protectionist measures employed: domestic subsidies and price supports, production restrictions, and border measures; describes briefly the disciplines applicable to these measures under World Trade Organization law; and then surveys empirical evidence on the extent of protectionism that prevails in the agricultural sector in many countries. Next, it evaluates the principal normative justifications often offered for exceptional levels of agricultural protectionism: ensuring access to affordable food; ensuring a livable income for farmers; and preserving traditional rural lifestyles and communities. It finds that these are not especially compelling either relative to many other economic sectors or in terms of first-best policy responses to the normative concerns in question. The article then considers political economy explanations for exceptional levels of protectionism in agriculture—including Public Choice explanations and the transitional gains trap—which, while providing some purchase on the phenomenon, are again not completely compelling. The article concludes with some observations on how liberalization of trade in agricultural products might be advanced in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Trebilcock & Kristen Pue, 2015. "The Puzzle of Agricultural Exceptionalism in International Trade Policy," Journal of International Economic Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 18(2), pages 233-260.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:jieclw:v:18:y:2015:i:2:p:233-260.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jiel/jgv022
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    Cited by:

    1. Margaret A. Young, 2017. "Energy transitions and trade law: lessons from the reform of fisheries subsidies," International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 371-390, June.
    2. Santeramo, Fabio G., 2017. "On Non-Tariff Measures and Changes in Trade Routes: From North-North to South-South Trade?," 2017 International Congress, August 28-September 1, 2017, Parma, Italy 263493, European Association of Agricultural Economists.
    3. Santeramo, Fabio Gaetano & Lamonaca, Emilia, 2019. "The role of non-tariff measures in the agri-food sector: positive or negative instruments for trade?," MPRA Paper 96763, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    4. Valeria Borsellino & Emanuele Schimmenti & Hamid El Bilali, 2020. "Agri-Food Markets towards Sustainable Patterns," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-35, March.
    5. Rozalia Kicsi & Aurel Burciu & Simona Buta & Ionel Bostan & Pavel Stanciu, 2023. "Insights into the Political Economy of Protection: The Case of International Trade in Agricultural Goods," Politická ekonomie, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2023(4), pages 447-472.
    6. Moon, Wanki & Sakuyama, Takumi, 2021. "The Political Economy of Agricultural Trade Policy in Northeast Asia: Comparisons with the West and between Japan and Korea," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315192, International Association of Agricultural Economists.

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