THE EVOLUTION AND INTENSITY OF NON-TARIFF MEASURES ON IMPORTS IN GCC

The paper investigates the evolution of core non-tariff measures (NTMs) on imports in GCC at the HS 6-digit product level. The paper calculates the frequency indices (FI) and coverage ratios (CR) for 2003 and 2015 using data from UNCTAD and COMTRADE. Although the GCC tariffs declined, it experienced an increase in core NTMs. However, compared to GCC, non-GCC high-income countries have higher FI (number of imports subject to NTMs) and CR (import value subject to NTMs) in 2015 than in 2003. Saudi Arabia has the highest FI and CR among GCC. Oman and Kuwait have relatively lower FI and CR. The increase in FI and CR from 2003 to 2015 is highest for Bahrain. GCC imports are equally subject to
technical measures and quantity restrictions. Looking at the NTMs applied
across the GCC sectors, we find that more than 90 percent of the agriculture
sector is subject to quantity control and technical measures, compared to less
than half percent in the manufacturing industry. We recommend GCC to
review, monitor, and simplify the NTMs, particularly in the agriculture
sector, to ensure food security in the long run. Harmonization of cross-border
trade and investment-related issues such as a custom corporation, removing
administrative barriers, and eliminating restrictive and discriminatory trade
policies may lead to welfare gains in GCC and trading partners