Product Description

In this book the legitimacy of anti-dumping measures in free trade areas is discussed. Economists argue that, generally, anti-dumping actions restrict and distort competition. In political terms, anti-dumping measures are biased in favour of a privileged interest group: the producers. Legally, they infringe the obligation of National Treatment contained in the GATT and NAFTA. Within regional groupings they contradict the guidelines of Article XXIV(8) (b) of the GATT. At the same time, anti-dumping measures are an exclusive exercise of sovereignty and would seem to protect statehood and arguably other national interests of any importing state. The traditional alternative for anti-dumping actions has always been argued to be the application of domestic legislation against predation and price discrimination. It is suggested that this solution is inappropriate or at least incomplete. Many abuses, other than predation, can be exercised in transnational market: transnational vertical restraints such as tying, refusal to deal, restrictions on patents, trade marks and copyrights may all facilitate dumping. Indeed, in an international forum, what constitute market power and abusive conduct differ from what would otherwise be acceptable in a domestic market. Security and other national policies ought to be weighted against efficiency considerations. In this context, the European framework of analysis, where variables additional to efficiency are balanced in competition assessments, provides a good model for such an international code of competition. Indeed, within a regional economic grouping, interests may be different. Anti-dumping laws may be phased out if states are willing to see national distinction phasing out as well. It is argued in this book that NAFTA can constitute a laboratory for needed discussion on an international code of conduct of firms and governments. It will then be suggested that anti-dumping actions could be phased out within NAFTA only if a comprehensive system of competition laws were to be enforceable against any transnational restrictive business practice. But for all states to agree on such legislation, they must have reached parallel.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3555344 in Books
• Published on: 1994-12-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 392 pages

Review
"A useful framework for dialogue between antidumping and antitrust proponents...."--American Journal of International Law
"A welcome addition to the literature on anti-dumping measures....This analysis arrives at a time when there appears to be a need for harmonizing national anti-competition laws among trading nations."--ASIL United Natinos Decade Newsletter

About the Author
Gabrielle Z. Marceau is Legal Affairs Officer with GATT in Geneva, and President of the Executive of the International Economic Law Society