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The Incompatibility of Science and Trade at the International Level

Author

Listed:
  • Smyth, Stuart
  • Kerr, William A.
  • Phillips, Peter

Abstract

International trade rules based on science are not functioning efficiently. Considerable effort was put forth in the 20th century to enable politics to be removed from the frameworks that governed international trade. Some degree of success was witnessed from these efforts as numerous institutions (i.e. SPS/WTO, IPPC, OECD, Codex) were founded or their roles expanded. These institutions were established on the premise that science-based frameworks were essential to the efficient functioning of international commerce. The first decade of the 21st century would seem to suggest that these institutions are floundering and that the role of science as the basis of international trade rules is on the decline. The evidence of international trade inefficiencies are witnessed in the case of products derived from biotechnology. The most recent example of this is the absolute halt in the international trade of flax from Canada to Europe after the trace detection of a trait that was approved for food and feed use in Canada but not in Europe. Examples of this can also be found in corn, soybeans and rice. The success of international institutions in dealing with transformative technologies such as biotechnology has thus far been rather dismal. This paper focuses on the fundamental causes for the disruption of international trade and endeavours to provide insights into how to move forward.

Suggested Citation

  • Smyth, Stuart & Kerr, William A. & Phillips, Peter, 2010. "The Incompatibility of Science and Trade at the International Level," 14th ICABR Conference, June 16-18, 2010, Ravello, Italy 188113, International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:itic10:188113
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.188113
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Zhang, Sidi & Kerr, William A., 2009. "Revisiting Barriers to Trade: Do Foregone Health Benefits Matter?," Working Papers 51092, Canadian Agricultural Trade Policy Research Network.
    3. William A. Kerr & Jill E. Hobbs, 2002. "The North American–European Union Dispute Over Beef Produced Using Growth Hormones: A Major Test for the New International Trade Regime," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(2), pages 283-296, February.
    4. Roberts, Donna, 1998. "Preliminary Assessment of the Effects of the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Trade Regulations," Journal of International Economic Law, Oxford University Press, vol. 1(3), pages 377-405, September.
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    8. Li, Yarui & Wailes, Eric J. & McKenzie, Andrew M. & Thomsen, Michael R., 2010. "LL601 Contamination and Its Impact on U.S. Rice Prices," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 42(1), pages 1-8, February.
    9. Paarlberg, Robert L., 2001. "Shrinking International Markets For Gm Crops?," Agricultural Outlook Forum 2001 33093, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Outlook Forum.
    10. William A. Kerr, 2010. "What is New in Protectionism? Consumers, Cranks, and Captives," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 58(1), pages 5-22, March.
    11. Michael Benarroch, 2007. "Economies of Scale, Imperfect Competition and Market Size," Chapters, in: William A. Kerr & James D. Gaisford (ed.), Handbook on International Trade Policy, chapter 13, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    12. Samira Bakhshi & William A. Kerr, 2008. "Incorporating labour standards in trade agreements: protectionist ploy or legitimate trade policy issue?," International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 1(4), pages 373-391.
    13. William A. Kerr, 2006. "Dumping: Trade Policy in Need of a Theoretical Make Over," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 54(1), pages 11-31, March.
    14. Kerr, William A. & Hall, Shannon L., 2004. "Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Agriculture: Commitments, Cooperation and Conflicts," CAFRI: Current Agriculture, Food and Resource Issues, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society, issue 5, pages 1-14, February.
    15. James D. Gaisford & William A. Kerr, 2001. "Economic Analysis for International Trade Negotiations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2243.
    16. Nicholas Perdikis & William A. Kerr Shelburne & Jill E. Hobbs, 2001. "Reforming the WTO to Defuse Potential Trade Conflicts in Genetically Modified Goods," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(3), pages 379-398, March.
    17. James D. Gaisford & Jill E. Hobbs & William A. Kerr & Nicholas Perdikis, 2001. "The Economics of Biotechnology," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2305.
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