Importing Into the United States


Book Description

Explains process of importing goods into the U.S., including informed compliance, invoices, duty assessments, classification and value, marking requirements, etc.




Exchange Controls and Parallel Market Economies in Sub-Saharan Africa


Book Description

This paper provides a theoretical framework to understand the way in which exchange controls modify the behavior of the different agents in the economy, leading to the creation of a parallel market economy. It gives the necessary theoretical elements to analyze this parallel market economy and provides a simple methodology to obtain relevant quantitative information about it. Finally, the paper elaborates on some of the policy implications of the existence of a parallel market economy. The model developed shows that the parallel market activities can be explained through the optimizing behavior of exporters and importers, which determines the amount of import and export smuggling, the level of the rent-seeking activity, and the black market exchange rate that is consistent with an equilibrium position where no one has any more incentives to move from their attained position. A method to detect the presence, and assess the magnitude of the parallel market economy, as well as to explain its behavior quantitatively, is then developed and applied to the case of Ghana.




Exchange Rate Misalignment in Developing Countries


Book Description

This article analyzes the theory of equilibrium real exchange rates and defines misalignment as a deviation of the real exchange rate (RER) from its equilibrium level. The role of macroeconomic policies is then analyzed under three alternative nominal exchange rate regimes: predetermined nominal exchange rates; floating nominal rates; and dual or black market nominal exchange rates. This discussion points out how inconsistent macroeconomic policies often lead to real exchange rate misalignment. Corrective measures, including nominal devaluation and several alternative approaches, are then evaluated.







Terms Of Trade: Glossary Of International Economics (2nd Edition)


Book Description

Have you ever wondered what a term in international economics means? This useful reference book offers a glossary of terms in both international trade and international finance, with emphasis on economic issues. It is intended for students getting their first exposure to international economics, although advanced students will also find it useful for some of the more obscure terms that they have forgotten or never encountered.Besides an extensive glossary of terms that has been expanded about 50% from the first edition, there is a picture gallery of diagrams used to explain key concepts such as the Edgeworth Production Box and the Offer Curve Diagram in international economics. This section is followed by over 30 lists of terms that occur a lot in international economics, grouped by subject to help users find terms that they cannot recall.Prior to an enlarged bibliography is an expanded section on the origins of terms in international economics, which records what the author has been able to learn about the origins of some of the terms used in international economics. This is a must-have portable glossary in international trade and international economics!




Parallel Currency Markets in Developing Countries


Book Description

The paper reviews recent theoretical and empirical developments in the analysis of informal currency markets in developing countries. The basic characteristics of these markets are highlighted, and alternative analytical models to explain them are discussed. The implications for exchange rate policy —including imposition of foreign exchange restrictions, devaluation, and unification of exchange markets— in countries with a sizable parallel market are also examined.




A Basic Guide to Exporting


Book Description

Here is practical advice for anyone who wants to build their business by selling overseas. The International Trade Administration covers key topics such as marketing, legal issues, customs, and more. With real-life examples and a full index, A Basic Guide to Exporting provides expert advice and practical solutions to meet all of your exporting needs.




Commodity Terms of Trade


Book Description

We compile a historical dataset covering nearly 40 years of booms and busts in the commodity terms of trade of over 150 countries. We discuss the characteristics of these events and their effects on macroeconomic performance and, in particular, compare the most recent commodity-price cycle with its historical precedents.




A Practical Guide to Trade Policy Analysis


Book Description

Trade flows and trade policies need to be properly quantified to describe, compare, or follow the evolution of policies between sectors or countries or over time. This is essential to ensure that policy choices are made with an appropriate knowledge of the real conditions. This practical guide introduces the main techniques of trade and trade policy data analysis. It shows how to develop the main indexes used to analyze trade flows, tariff structures, and non-tariff measures. It presents the databases needed to construct these indexes as well as the challenges faced in collecting and processing these data, such as measurement errors or aggregation bias. Written by experts with practical experience in the field, A Practical Guide to Trade Policy Analysis has been developed to contribute to enhance developing countries' capacity to analyze and implement trade policy. It offers a hands-on introduction on how to estimate the distributional effects of trade policies on welfare, in particular on inequality and poverty. The guide is aimed at government experts engaged in trade negotiations, as well as students and researchers involved in trade-related study or research. An accompanying DVD contains data sets and program command files required for the exercises. Copublished by the WTO and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development




Trade, Growth and Development


Book Description

Since the end of the second world war the economic gap between rich and poor countries has steadily widened. Trade, Growth and Development examines this disparity and assesses the reasons why some developing countries have been more successful than others. The book is divided into four parts: Part I examines recent developments in the theory of trade, growth and economic development; Parts II to IV present an empirical analysis of policy and performance in Latin America, Asia and Africa. As well as offering an analysis of traditional economic factors the book also emphasises the role of politics and institutions in the process of economic development.