Data Collected
Stages of Economic Integration:
From Autarky to Economic Union
As international trade and investment levels continue to rise, the level of economic integration between various groups of nations is also deepening. The most obvious example of this is the European Union, which has evolved from a collection of autarkical nations to become a fully integrated economic unit. Although it is rare that relationships between countries follow so precise a pattern, formal economic integration takes place in stages, beginning with the lowering and removal of barriers to trade and culminating in the creation of an economic union. These stages are summarized below.(1)
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
The first level of formal economic integration is the establishment of free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential trade agreements (PTAs). FTAs eliminate import tariffs as well as import quotas between signatory countries. These agreements can be limited to a few sectors or can encompass all aspects of international trade. FTAs can also include formal mechanisms to resolve trade disputes. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an example of such an arrangement.
Aside from a commitment to a reciprocal trade liberalization schedule, FTAs place few limitations on member states. Although FTAs may contain provisions in these areas if the signatory countries agree to do so, no further harmonization of regulations, standards or economic policies is required, nor is the free movement of capital and labour a necessary part of a free trade agreement. FTA signatory countries also retain independent trade policy with all countries outside the agreement.
However, in order for an FTA to function properly, member countries must establish rules of origin for all third-party goods entering the free trade area. Goods produced within the free trade area (and subject to the agreement) may cross borders tariff-free, but rules of origin requirements must be met to prove that the good was
From Autarky to Economic Union
As international trade and investment levels continue to rise, the level of economic integration between various groups of nations is also deepening. The most obvious example of this is the European Union, which has evolved from a collection of autarkical nations to become a fully integrated economic unit. Although it is rare that relationships between countries follow so precise a pattern, formal economic integration takes place in stages, beginning with the lowering and removal of barriers to trade and culminating in the creation of an economic union. These stages are summarized below.(1)
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
The first level of formal economic integration is the establishment of free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential trade agreements (PTAs). FTAs eliminate import tariffs as well as import quotas between signatory countries. These agreements can be limited to a few sectors or can encompass all aspects of international trade. FTAs can also include formal mechanisms to resolve trade disputes. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an example of such an arrangement.
Aside from a commitment to a reciprocal trade liberalization schedule, FTAs place few limitations on member states. Although FTAs may contain provisions in these areas if the signatory countries agree to do so, no further harmonization of regulations, standards or economic policies is required, nor is the free movement of capital and labour a necessary part of a free trade agreement. FTA signatory countries also retain independent trade policy with all countries outside the agreement.
However, in order for an FTA to function properly, member countries must establish rules of origin for all third-party goods entering the free trade area. Goods produced within the free trade area (and subject to the agreement) may cross borders tariff-free, but rules of origin requirements must be met to prove that the good was