Developing countries have largely focused on and carefully assessed during multilateral trade negotiations that took place in the last 30 years, the possible impact of measures relating to agriculture.

For both net agricultural exporter and importer countries this has been a crucial issue, particularly as multilateral rules may affect food security. Developing countries have also been conscious that tariff reductions for manufacturing products (as demanded in tariff negotiations on non-agricultural goods) could be detrimental to local industries and unemployment.

Substantial tariff reductions would deprive them of one of the main instruments available to implement industrial policies. Countries that already have an industrial base may not be able to cope with foreign competition while those aiming at creating such base might be never able to do so.

Report by Unctad