Current Issues in U.S. Participation in the Multilateral Trading System

摘要

Frustration with the apparent inability of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) to stem the rise of trade barriers and resolve trade disputes has led to questions about its utility and effectiveness and about the desirability of continued U.S. support for the GATT system. GAO found that much frustration with the GATT is the result of failure to resolve issues that are primarily conflicts over important domestic policies which also have trade effects. GATT principles and efforts to reduce barriers to trade are in consonance with U.S. trade policy objectives and, as an institution, the GATT provides a valuable forum for bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. Despite difficulties, the GATT has made significant contributions to the competitive flow of world trade GAO concludes that it is in the interest of the United States to continue to support the GATT system and principles.