Norway's imports from developing countries and the GSP
Norway has granted tariff-free access for imports from the Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and some low-income countries, but in spite of tariff preferences amounting to 300-400 per cent for many agricultural goods, imports are modest due to supply constraints and other obstacles to trade. This study has examined why this is the case and what can be done to increase trade.Participants Brian Perry
The study was presented at a NUPI seminar in February 2012, and has also been presented to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several other institutions (see publications below). The study formed the point of departure for a revision of Norway’s GSP system. An inter-ministerial report was presented in October 2012. Reform proposals were also presented in the budget white paper to the Storting where many of the principles suggested in the NUPI study were included.The reforms were accepted in the Storting and were implemented from 2013.
This is the second time that the Norwegian GSP system for trade with developing countries has been reformed after a NUPI study. The last time was in 2005, following the earlier NUPI project Norwegian Trade Preferences for Developing Countries - GSP. NUPI has also analysed options for developing country preferences for trade in services, see the project and report from 2010.
Furthermore, an earlier study on aid for trade is found here.
Funding
The project is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Publications
- Melchior, Arne , Karl Rich, Brian Perry (2012). Norway's trade with the least developed - between profit and development politics. Oslo, NUPI. 142 pages. The report analyzes barriers to trade faced by the least developed countries. In spite of large trade preferences on certain agricultural products, trade to Norway remain modest. Why is this so, and what can be done to increase trade?
- Melchior, Arne , Karl Rich, Brian Perry (2012). A case study of Norway’s beef trade from developing countries. NUPI Working Paper: 796. 31 pages. This working paper provides information on Norway’s beef trade in the context of GSP.
- Brian Perry (2012). The structure and dynamics of cut flower export markets from Kenya and Ethiopia : - with particular reference to trade with Norway. NUPI Working Paper: 797. 26 pages. This working paper analyses the financial potential for flower export in Keny and Ethiopia. The study is part of a broad study of trade preferences and market conditions between various developing countries and Norway.
