A new issue of The Takeaway explores how the trade-promoting effects of Regional Trade Agreements can vary significantly, especially for specific products like apparel.
COLLEGE STATION, TX (September 08, 2023) – The most recent issue of The Takeaway reports on research showing that the trade-promoting effects of regional trade agreements (RTAs) vary significantly across RTAs and even more for specific products, such as apparel. Although the apparel sector can drive job creation and economic development in developing countries, RTAs often include restrictive rules of origin that lead to less apparel trade. The authors suggest that by minimizing these restrictions, RTAs can be used more effectively to create jobs and address the root causes of migration.
You can read the full policy brief at “Harnessing Regional Trade Agreements as Development Policy Instruments.” The authors are both from the Mosbacher Institute. Dr. Kaleb Abreha is a post-doctoral assistant research scientist, and Dr. Raymond Robertson is the director of the institute and an expert in international and labor economics.
The Takeaway is a publication of the Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University.
