Trade Liberalization in Arab Maghreb Union Countries

Hadili, Abduraawf and Raab, Roman and Wenzelburger, Jan (2016): Trade Liberalization in Arab Maghreb Union Countries.

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of trade liberalisation on the economies of the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU). We investigate the time period from 1995 to 2009 in terms of export growth, import growth, the balance of trade, and the balance of payments. Our empirical evidence shows that trade liberalisation did not enhance export growth in AMU countries during the given period. In contrast, it had a significant positive impact on import growth. Moreover, trade liberalisation worsened the balance of trade and the balance of payments. Governance indicators turn out to be important covariates in order to achieve the intended effects of trade liberalization.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Trade Policy-International Trade Organizations; Empirical Studies of Trade; Economic Integration; Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government.
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F13 - Trade Policy ; International Trade Organizations; F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F14 - Empirical Studies of Trade; F - International Economics > F1 - Trade > F15 - Economic Integration; H - Public Economics > H1 - Structure and Scope of Government > H11 - Structure, Scope, and Performance of Government

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