Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Nepal ranks lowest in Trade Barrier Index

Nepal has lots of barriers to the trade putting it at the lowest rank, according to a global report.
Nepal ranks in 81st position among the 86 countries globally and 11th among the 14 in the region, according to the Trade Barrier Index 2019. Nepal scores lowest in the non-tariff measures (with 1.4) – among the four pillars – whereas scores highest in facilitation (7.14), followed by services (with 6.31), and tariff (with 5.81), according to the report. “Nepal scores 5.17 – half the regional average score that stands at 11 – in the Trade Barrier Index 2019.”
The 2019 global index ranks 86 countries on their use of trade barriers affecting 94 per cent of world’s GDP, 84 per cent of the world’s people, and 91 per cent of traded goods.
Released by the Property Rights Alliance in partnership with the Mackenzie Center for Economic Freedom, the world’s first International Trade Barrier Index ranks 86 countries on their use of the most the direct barriers to trade: tariffs, non-tariff measures, and services restrictions, as well as their ability to facilitate trade. It was created as a response to rising trade tensions across the world that have resulted in lower growth rates, reduced trade forecasts, and an increase in trade restrictions. These conflicts create uncertainty and overlook the real issues that disrupt global commerce.
China and India are the world worst abusers of trade barriers, according to the report. “Each have extremely high tariffs and a large number of tariff lines compared to the rest of the world,” it reads, adding that India leads in restrictions on services that prevent foreign professionals and businesses from operating in the country. “While China leads the world in use of non-tariff measures.”
Hong Kong and Singapore are completely tariff free. Hong Kong is second as Singapore is a member of more trade agreements. However, with open and unfettered trade citizens of Hong Kong are accustomed to the free-exchange of ideas. Recent NTMs raised by Beijing to require licenses for imported published material have added to the friction between the two regions.
When barriers are removed it is harder for special interests to become entrenched in political processes. Correlations with the TBI demonstrate a clear relationship between free-trade and the ability of countries to achieve greater levels of freedom and prosperity.

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