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Open Regionalism in a World of Continental Trade Blocs

Author

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  • Mr. Jeffrey A. Frankel
  • Shang-Jin Wei

Abstract

Continental trade blocs are emerging in many parts of the world almost in tandem. If trade blocs are required to satisfy the McMillan criterion of not lowering trade volume with outside countries, they have to engage in a dramatic reduction of trade barriers against non-member countries. That may not be politically feasible. On the other hand, in a world of simultaneous continental trade blocs, an open regionalism in which trade blocs undertake relatively modest external liberalization can usually produce Pareto improvement.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Jeffrey A. Frankel & Shang-Jin Wei, 1998. "Open Regionalism in a World of Continental Trade Blocs," IMF Working Papers 1998/010, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:1998/010
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    WP; trade bloc; bloc liberalization; tariff level; bloc agreement; trade volume; Trade agreements; Tariffs; Imports; Trade liberalization; Transportation; Australia and New Zealand;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration

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