WTO 뉴라운드 공산품 관세인하의 쟁점과 인하방식에 관한 연구

Abstract

One of the important tariff issues in the new round of multilateral trade negotiation of WTO is about how to reduce tariffs. The methods of tariff reduction is closely linked with other objectives of tariff negotiation, such as the scope of tariff reduction, concession ratio, tariff peaks etc. There are two major methods of tariff reduction, request-offer approach between individual WTO members and formula based approach to cut tariff across-the-board. Trading partners` positions on methods of tariff reduction directly reflect their economic interests. However, negotiating directly on the method itself may not be fruitful and delay the conclusion of negotiation. Therefore, focuses should be made on economic interests lying behind negotiating positions on methods of tariff reduction. Economic interest of developed economies is in overall reduction of tariffs of developing economies, while that of developing economies is eliminating tariff peaks in their primary exports such as textile and apparels. In order to achieve a balanced outcome of tariff negotiation, the exchange of interests of developed and developing economies are necessary. There are two alternatives. First, in the New Round, negotiating parties may adopt Formula Approach without exemption, so that both tariff cuts across-the-board and mitigation of tariff peaks can be achieved. Second, they can use offer-request approach for the sectors of developed economies` interest in exchange of eliminating tariff peaks. A pre-condition of those two approach is to form a coalition among developing economies.