Regional trade agreements

Publication Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

10-2025

Abstract

Regional trade agreements have proliferated since the 1990s. This proliferation stems from multilateral system discontent, desires for regional political cooperation, and supply chain management objectives. Yet these agreements vary widely in scope and structure, with the concept of ‘regionalness’ becoming increasingly flexible. From a normative perspective, agreements of the past 30 years follow different patterns. Some prioritize regional integration, while others emphasize goals beyond market access and trade facilitation.By focusing on major agreements, the chapter analyses how various objectives may or may not be achieved and evaluates the multiple purposes these agreements serve in international economic law. Looking forward, regional trade agreements appear to be the primary trade lawmaking instruments for many economies. The chapter concludes by considering what the next generation of these agreements might mean for the world economy and its constituents.

Discipline

International Economics | International Trade Law

Publication

Routledge Handbook on International Economic Law

Editor

VADI, Valentina; COLLINS, David

Identifier

10.4324/9781003399711-20

Publisher

Taylor and Francis

Additional URL

https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003399711-20/regional-trade-agreements-kathleen-claussen-pasha-hsieh

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