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Abstract
Developed countries have agreed to provide duty free and quota free access to imports from
LDCs covered by 97 per cent of tariff lines. However, LDCs would like to extend the
agreement to 100 per cent coverage, since 3 per cent of tariff lines can cover a substantial
proportion of LDC exports. Products of major interest include textiles and clothing and
agricultural goods such as rice, oilseeds, sugar and bananas. The potential trade and welfare
impacts of expanding the coverage are analysed using a general equilibrium model.
Estimates indicate LDCs stand to gain $7.5 billion in additional exports.