Pragmatism in trade policy: regional trade agreements

Since 1990, regional trade agreements have become both more numerous and more comprehensive, due in part to the stagnating multilateral negotiations within the WTO. The World Trade Organisation has recorded 305 such agreements. In addition to customs matters, they increasingly cover non-tariff trade barriers, define rules for trade and establish transnational standards. Their content reflects an evolving global trade landscape. Aspects such as services, investment and capital flows, but also digital trade, are becoming increasingly important. When countries enter into mega-regional agreements, which cover a substantial part of global trade and foreign direct investment and therefore constitute the largest plurilateral forums outside the WTO, political interests also play a role.

Pragmatism in trade policy: regional trade agreements(PDF, 228 KB, non-accessible)

Further information: Germany's strong link to the global economy