In an increasingly interconnected world, rules of origin—laws determining the national source of a product—play a crucial role in international trade. Yet, with each country setting its own standards, the global market faces a complex web of regulations that often impedes rather than facilitates trade. “The Urgent Call for Harmonizing Preferential Rules of Origin” by Hatem Mabrouk delves into these complexities and challenges.
The book reveals how preferential rules of origin, designed to determine eligibility for tariff preferences under trade agreements, are often manipulated for protectionist and political aims, creating significant obstacles for global producers and traders. Through rigorous analysis and case studies, Mabrouk explores the detrimental impacts of these systems and proposes a harmonized approach aligned with the World Trade Organization to streamline and improve international trade practices.
Mabrouk's proposal offers a robust blueprint for policymakers and trade bodies to refine global trade mechanisms. “The Urgent Call for Harmonizing Preferential Rules of Origin” is essential reading for anyone involved in international trade or global economics, advocating for clearer and fairer trade regulations to enhance global economic prosperity.