Export Assistance and Agricultural Trade Reform

Summary

Export assistance has been a long standing issue of concern for many countries engaged in global agricultural trade. Direct export subsidies and assistance through concessional export financing support can have substantial trade distorting effects. Recipients of the assistance gain an unfair competitive advantage that penalise other export suppliers and producers in import markets.

Program

National Rural Issues

Research Organisation

D. N. Harris & Associates

Objective Summary

An economic evaluation of the export subsidy and concessionary credit programs would be a timely and useful contribution to Australia’s negotiation efforts in the Doha round. A report that summarises the evidence and distils the key implications would also support DFAT advocacy efforts in international forums.