Introduction the rise of non-tariff measures

During the past two decades, applied tariffs in the Asia-Pacific region have halved. At the same time, the number of non-tariff measures (NTMs), including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBTs), has risen significantly (figure 1). Both in relative and absolute terms, the impact of NTMs vis-à-vis tariffs as an impediment to trade has increased. While the higher tariffs imposed by the United States and China during the past two years have made headline news, the rising importance of NTMs as barriers to trade at the regional and global levels is expected to continue.1 In fact, a key concern is that trade tensions evolve from existing relatively transparent tariff wars to discriminatory implementation of NTMs, the impact of which is much more difficult to assess and predict.

Sustainable Development Goals:

No Poverty

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Reduced Inequalities