Unilateral trade arrangements
Are you exporting or importing from a developing country to a developed country? Your goods could benefit from reduced or zero tariffs, thanks to a unilateral trade arrangement.
What is a unilateral trade arrangement?
Under unilateral trade arrangements developed countries grant non-reciprocal trade preferences to developing countries to help them increase their exports and promote economic development.
These are designed to
- promote exports and economic development in the beneficiary countries;
- support their efforts to reduce poverty, promote good governance and support sustainable development;
- promote compliance with international standards on human rights, labour rights and environmental protection.
What does it mean for you?
- Preferential schemes allow you to export from a developing country to a developed country at reduced or zero tariffs.
- Your goods must qualify as originating in the beneficiary country according the rules of origin set out in the specific preference scheme.
- Product coverage, country coverage and specific rules vary widely from one arrangement to another.
Conditionality
Unilateral trade arrangements are often linked to developments in human rights, sustainable development and good governance in the beneficiary countries. In the event of serious and systematic violations, the providing country can withdraw these benefits until the situation improves sufficiently.
Providing countries
Providers of preferential trade arrangements besides the EU include: Australia, Canada, Chile, China, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Iceland, India, Japan, South Korea, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zeeland, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Türkiye and the USA.
Find the list of preferential trade arrangements in the world