Non-tariff measures and their effect on Tanzania's exports to East African community partners states
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Date
2020
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study aimed to assess non-tariff measures (NTMs) and their effects on Tanzania's exports to East African Community (EAC) Partner States. Specifically the study aimed to identify, rank and explore the ways in which NTMs affect Tanzanian exports to the EAC. This was a descriptive, qualitative research and adopted a business survey methodology. The sample was selected through purposive sampling of 394 firms whose data was extracted from the International Trade Centre (ITC) dataset. Data analysis consists of constructing statistical inferences such as frequencies and descriptive analysis. The study findings show that there are twelve major Non-tariff measures affecting exports from Tanzania to the EAC. The top three NTMs inhibiting trade are export related measures, licensing and rules of origin. The findings suggest that for developing countries certification requirements are important regardless of destination. Testing requirements represent an important obstacle for exporters. The findings also indicate that arbitrariness and non-transparency of the process hinder. Tanzanian exporters, be it with respect to customs procedures or product standards. The study concludes that NTMs are more unpredictable and restrictive than tariffs, NTMs largely restrict bilateral trade and trade can be boosted by harmonization of standards in the region. Since most of the NTMs are procedure-related, the studs recommend that the relevant authorities should make relevant information on regulations readily and timely available. In addition, the authorities should streamline processes to reduce redundancies; if possible, through digital a technology that speeds up paperless submission and processing of the required documents. It is imperative that Tanzania invests in the capacity of policy-makers to address the implications of NTMs to improve export performance and integration in the regional and global economy. To achieve this goal, there has to be an enhanced availability of data on NTM for the use of country officials, researchers and institutions. There is still a need to explore further the NTMs costs associated to the country of origin and those associated to the companies operating in them. It is also vital to compile datasets on NTMs for the EAC region, as currently the available datasets is not readily available.
Description
Available in print form, EAF collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, (THS EAF HF 1430.T34A273)
Keywords
Non-tariff trade barries, Tariff-trade barriers, Buy national policy, Tanzania
Citation
Abraham, Adam Anthony (2020) Non-tariff measures and their effect on Tanzania's exports to East African community partners states,Masters dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.