======Key statistics and trends in trade policy 2017 : trade imbalances======
International trade has seen stable tariffs but increased use of non-tariff measures and trade agreements, with significant trade imbalances affecting economies globally, particularly in developing regions. The report analyzes these trends and their implications for trade policy.  \\ 
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^  Quick Facts  ^^
|Report location:  |[[https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/4042051/files/UNCTAD_DITC_TAB_2017_5-EN.pdf|source]]   |
|Language:  |English  |
|Publisher:  | [[encyclopedia:int_un_united_nations|United Nations]]  |
|Publication date:  | 2018  |
|Authors:  | Alessandro Nicita  |
|Geographic focus:  |Global   |

=====Methods=====
The research method involved analyzing trade policy trends through statistical data on tariffs, non-tariff measures, trade agreements, and exchange rates, sourced from various databases including UNCTAD and WTO.  \\ 
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(Generated with the help of GPT-4) \\

=====Key Insights=====
The report discusses the evolving landscape of international trade, highlighting the stability of tariffs over the past decade while noting a rise in non-tariff measures and trade agreements. It emphasizes that trade imbalances, which can lead to economic issues, are influenced by various macroeconomic factors rather than solely by trade policies. The report reveals that developed countries maintain lower import restrictiveness compared to developing nations, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. It also points out that while tariffs have generally decreased, significant peaks remain in sectors crucial to low-income countries, such as agriculture and textiles. The use of preferential trade agreements has increased, with about half of global trade occurring under such agreements. The report further explores the role of trade defense measures, which have become more prevalent, especially among developing countries. Additionally, it examines the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on international competitiveness, noting varying trends across different economies. The findings suggest that while trade policies can influence trade flows, they are often symptoms of deeper economic conditions that require coordinated macroeconomic strategies for effective management.  \\ 
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(Generated with the help of GPT-4) \\ 


=====Additional Viewpoints=====
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<span #categories_box> Categories:  {{tag>2010s_time_horizon}} |  {{tag>English_publication_language}} |  {{tag>2018_publication_year}} |  {{tag>Global_geographic_scope}} |  {{tag>agricultural_trade}} |  {{tag>economic_competitiveness}} |  {{tag>exchange_rates}} |  {{tag>macroeconomic_factors}} |  {{tag>non-tariff_measures}} |  {{tag>preferential_trade_agreements}} |  {{tag>tariffs}} |  {{tag>trade_agreements}} |  {{tag>trade_defense_measures}} |  {{tag>trade_imbalances}}   </span>  


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