The reduction of tariff barriers among member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has caused the emergence of other trade constraints, a study published by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) found out.
According to a discussion paper titled “Review of Intra-ASEAN Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs)”, nontariff measures (NTMs) in trade are “a more difficult obstacle to overcome”. Authored by Senior Research Fellow Erlinda Medalla and Project Development Officer Melalyn Mantaring, the study explored the effects of NTMs and barriers to trade in the ASEAN region.
NTMs, as defined by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, are “policy measures, other than ordinary customs tariffs, that can potentially have an economic effect on international trade in goods, changing quantities traded, or prices, or both”.
In general, the imposition of NTMs could be justified for different reasons, such as health, security, environment, and consumer protection. However, NTMs could also adversely affect global and regional production chains by unnecessarily increasing the cost of business of companies, according to the study.
“There are increasing and legitimate concerns that some NTMs are used mainly for protectionist reasons (trade distortion). In such cases, NTMs become simply non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade and investment,” the authors explained, saying that the latter is more protectionist in nature.
As part of the study, a survey was conducted to find out the impact of NTMs and NTBs on multinational firms, industry associations, and other federations of exporting industries and services in six ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Viet Nam.
The survey showed that NTMs/NTBs pose additional costs to exporters, which vary across ASEAN countries—minimal for Singapore, moderate for the Philippines, and very high for Myanmar. In terms of clear and transparent rules on NTMs and NTBs, Singapore and Thailand are perceived as clear and transparent, the Philippines and Malaysia in mid-range, while Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are perceived to have the most unclear regulations.
The study also identified two factors that could make NTMs obstacles to trade: overly strict or complex requirements and procedural obstacles (practical administrative hurdles) that come with the NTMs.
In ASEAN, tariffs and nontariff measures are among the 10 priority measures that need to be achieved as core elements of the ASEAN Economic Community. While tariffs are already close to zero in the region, data show a rising trend in NTMs, which may possibly be “the result of greater commitments by ASEAN member-countries on notification,” the study said.
In the Philippines, among the most common NTMs are the technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. While it has remained relatively less restrictive when it comes to NTBs, previous studies suggest that many issues on implementation of NTMs in the country still remain.
Medalla and Mantaring emphasized that the positive effects of tariff reduction in the ASEAN region may be enhanced by reducing NTMs.
“The challenge for ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, is how to incorporate efficiency and facilitative measures in the implementation and administration of NTMs,” the authors explained, adding that removing unnecessary restrictions and streamlining procedures for NTMs would help.
More specifically, the study suggested promoting transparency by creating a comprehensive and updated database of NTMs in the region, regularly submitting notifications of new NTMs to the ASEAN Secretariat and the World Trade Organization, and establishing a robust mechanism to address NTM issues.
Furthermore, the authors underscored the importance of Customs Modernization and the Philippine National Single Window to address NTM issues related to licensing and permits.
For consistency and continuity, a “third party monitor and technical resource” to oversee ASEAN countries’ progress in mitigating the effects of NTMs on trade should be created.
Finally, the authors emphasized the need to capacitate firms to help them comply with NTMs. This may include awareness raising on what and how to comply with the requirements. ###
If you wish to know more about the study, download a copy of the discussion paper on the PIDS website.
According to a discussion paper titled “Review of Intra-ASEAN Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs)”, nontariff measures (NTMs) in trade are “a more difficult obstacle to overcome”. Authored by Senior Research Fellow Erlinda Medalla and Project Development Officer Melalyn Mantaring, the study explored the effects of NTMs and barriers to trade in the ASEAN region.
NTMs, as defined by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, are “policy measures, other than ordinary customs tariffs, that can potentially have an economic effect on international trade in goods, changing quantities traded, or prices, or both”.
In general, the imposition of NTMs could be justified for different reasons, such as health, security, environment, and consumer protection. However, NTMs could also adversely affect global and regional production chains by unnecessarily increasing the cost of business of companies, according to the study.
“There are increasing and legitimate concerns that some NTMs are used mainly for protectionist reasons (trade distortion). In such cases, NTMs become simply non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade and investment,” the authors explained, saying that the latter is more protectionist in nature.
As part of the study, a survey was conducted to find out the impact of NTMs and NTBs on multinational firms, industry associations, and other federations of exporting industries and services in six ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Viet Nam.
The survey showed that NTMs/NTBs pose additional costs to exporters, which vary across ASEAN countries—minimal for Singapore, moderate for the Philippines, and very high for Myanmar. In terms of clear and transparent rules on NTMs and NTBs, Singapore and Thailand are perceived as clear and transparent, the Philippines and Malaysia in mid-range, while Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar are perceived to have the most unclear regulations.
The study also identified two factors that could make NTMs obstacles to trade: overly strict or complex requirements and procedural obstacles (practical administrative hurdles) that come with the NTMs.
In ASEAN, tariffs and nontariff measures are among the 10 priority measures that need to be achieved as core elements of the ASEAN Economic Community. While tariffs are already close to zero in the region, data show a rising trend in NTMs, which may possibly be “the result of greater commitments by ASEAN member-countries on notification,” the study said.
In the Philippines, among the most common NTMs are the technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. While it has remained relatively less restrictive when it comes to NTBs, previous studies suggest that many issues on implementation of NTMs in the country still remain.
Medalla and Mantaring emphasized that the positive effects of tariff reduction in the ASEAN region may be enhanced by reducing NTMs.
“The challenge for ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, is how to incorporate efficiency and facilitative measures in the implementation and administration of NTMs,” the authors explained, adding that removing unnecessary restrictions and streamlining procedures for NTMs would help.
More specifically, the study suggested promoting transparency by creating a comprehensive and updated database of NTMs in the region, regularly submitting notifications of new NTMs to the ASEAN Secretariat and the World Trade Organization, and establishing a robust mechanism to address NTM issues.
Furthermore, the authors underscored the importance of Customs Modernization and the Philippine National Single Window to address NTM issues related to licensing and permits.
For consistency and continuity, a “third party monitor and technical resource” to oversee ASEAN countries’ progress in mitigating the effects of NTMs on trade should be created.
Finally, the authors emphasized the need to capacitate firms to help them comply with NTMs. This may include awareness raising on what and how to comply with the requirements. ###
If you wish to know more about the study, download a copy of the discussion paper on the PIDS website.
