General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade Member Countries
2023年1月18日
The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was formed in 1948 to help regulate international trade and reduce barriers to commerce. In 1995, it was replaced by the World Trade Organization (WTO), but the principles of the GATT remain relevant today and many of its member countries still play important roles in global trade.
The GATT was originally signed by 23 countries and aimed to promote free and fair trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. Over time, the number of member countries grew to 128 and the agreement was amended several times to address new challenges in the global trade system.
One of the key principles of the GATT was known as most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment. This meant that member countries agreed to extend any trade concessions they made to one country to all other member countries. This was designed to prevent discrimination in trade and promote fair competition.
Another important provision of the GATT was the commitment to gradually reduce tariffs on goods imported from other member countries. This was intended to make goods more affordable and accessible to consumers while promoting economic growth and prosperity.
Member countries of the GATT also agreed to dispute resolution mechanisms to help resolve trade disputes between countries. This was an important step toward ensuring that trade disputes didn`t escalate into full-blown trade wars.
Today, many of the original member countries of the GATT are important players in the global trade system. The United States, the European Union, Japan, Canada, and Australia are all members of the WTO and continue to play important roles in shaping global trade policies.
Despite its successes, the GATT and the WTO have faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that free trade agreements can lead to job losses in some sectors and worsen income inequality. Others point out that some countries still use protectionist policies to shield their domestic industries from foreign competition.
Despite these challenges, the GATT remains an important landmark in the history of international trade and continues to influence trade policies around the world. As the global economy continues to evolve and new challenges arise, it will be important for member countries to continue working together to promote free and fair trade and ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared widely.