This paper examines global value chain (GVC) activity in the Pacific, through the lens of newly assembled data on value added trade. It finds that GVC participation is very weak by world standards. Connections with relatively large markets like...

This paper examines global value chain (GVC) activity in the Caribbean, through the lens of newly assembled data on value added trade. It finds that GVC participation is quite weak by world standards. Moreover, connections with the large regional...

This paper examines global value chain (GVC) activity in Sub-Saharan Africa, through the lens of newly assembled data on value added trade. It finds that GVC participation is quite weak by world standards. Although there are emerging intra-regional...

The Commonwealth's member countries share unique historical ties, as well as resilient diaspora communities with linguistic and institutional similarities. These links could facilitate co-operation and contribute to increased trade, investment and...

This paper focuses on twenty-first century trade governance patterns within Commonwealth countries. The specific research questions it explores are: first, what is the distinction between the ‘trade governance’ and ‘good governance’ agendas? Second,...

This paper examines the economic impact of trade facilitation between Commonwealth members, using a global computable general equilibrium framework. We document enormous economic impact, much higher than a complete tariff liberalisation amongst these...

This paper considers how access to international markets affects development and growth, with a particular emphasis on the Commonwealth countries. It shows that countries with low trade costs to large markets have higher levels of gross domestic...

The scale of the challenge posed by the recent universal adoption of the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to the achievement of economic, social and environmental objectives is formidable. In order to achieve the...

The single undertaking negotiating model, whereby consensus agreement must be reached on all issues on an agenda, has led to a stalemate in the Doha Round negotiations. This has led to some WTO members reaching the conclusion, reflected in paragraph...

This paper asks what implications the agreement to address the challenges of climate change from the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) might have for trade and investment policy in Commonwealth member countries. Whilst trade and investment are...

With the ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016 under the aegis of the World Trade Organization, India has launched a comprehensive agenda for trade facilita­tion reforms to fulfil its legal commitments and improve its global...

Since the expiry of the ‘peace clause’ at the end of 2003, it has been unclear which obligations under the WTO SCM Agreement apply to subsidies granted to agricultural products. This is in particular important for export subsidies, which are...

This paper outlines a new analytical framework for understanding how Commonwealth countries are responding to global challenges outlined in Part I of the review. The analytical framework proposes four interlinked ‘pillars’ of trade success: strategic...

India accounts for 26 per cent of intra-Commonwealth trade. The impact of its slowdown will be felt differently by Commonwealth countries depending on their economic links. This study uses GTAP analysis to assess the impact of India's GDP slowdown on...

This International Trade Working Paper examines the effect of the pandemic on the services trade of Commonwealth countries using both descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis. It finds that at least 40 per cent of Commonwealth services exports...

This paper examines the interaction of the international fisheries trade regime, global value chains in tuna and socio-economic development in low-income Commonwealth countries. The first section sketches the long historical relationship between...

The paper examines the relationship between the burgeoning diasporic economy and the ways in which it facilitates the growth of trade, entrepreneurship and investment between migrant sending and receiving countries in the Commonwealth. The paper...

International trade fuels economic growth by increasing employment, production and the provision of a wider variety of goods and services at lower prices. However, two unprecedented recent crises are significantly affecting global trade: the US–China...

Small states face significant hurdles in securing the potential benefits of trade to their economies and in protecting themselves against trade practices and rules that harm their interests. This study explores the systemic issues and challenges...

Several countries are to leave the group of least developed countries (LDCs) in the coming decade. Following ‘LDC graduation’, these countries will become ineligible for the international support measures (ISMs) they currently enjoy. Taking into...