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Pursuing Environmental and Social Objectives through Trade Agreements

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  • Francois, Joseph
  • Hoekman, Bernard
  • Manchin, Miriam

Abstract

Using a large dataset covering more than 180 countries and spanning several decades, we employ a SDID estimator to identify the extent to which trade agreements incorporating non-trade provisions (labor standards, environmental protection and civil and political rights) are associated with improvements in corresponding non-trade performance indicators. We distinguish between binding (enforceable) and non-binding provisions in trade agreements, and also control for the allocation of official development assistance targeting these three non-trade policy areas. Overall, the results suggest that efforts made to date to include non-trade provisions in trade agreements have not resulted in consistent desired (better) non-trade outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Francois, Joseph & Hoekman, Bernard & Manchin, Miriam, 2022. "Pursuing Environmental and Social Objectives through Trade Agreements," Papers 1377, World Trade Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:wti:papers:1377
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    Cited by:

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    2. Qifei Chen & Yanzhi Shen, 2024. "Deep trade agreements and services trade: An analysis based on service trade provisions," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(7), pages 2909-2946, July.
    3. Hoekman, Bernard & Santi, Filippo & Shingal, Anirudh, 2023. "Trade effects of non-economic provisions in trade agreements," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • F17 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Forecasting and Simulation
    • F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations

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