The Economic Impact of Export Restrictions on Raw Materials
Export restrictions on raw materials are applied to achieve a number of policy objectives.
However, they can have a significant and negative impact on the efficient allocation
of resources, international trade, and the competitiveness and development of industries
in both exporting and importing countries.
By diverting exports to domestic markets, export restrictions raise prices for foreign
consumers and importers. At the same time, by reducing domestic prices in the applying
countries and increasing global uncertainty concerning future prices, export restrictions
negatively affect investment, thus potentially reducing the overall supply of raw
materials in the long term. In view of existing alternative policy tools that have
a different impact on trade, the effectiveness of export restrictions to achieve stated
policy objectives should be carefully reviewed.
This publication presents a selection of papers discussed at the OECD Workshop on
Raw Materials, held in Paris in October 2009. This workshop was organised in response
to the growing concern on the use of export restrictions on raw materials, particularly
by emerging economies.
Published on November 17, 2010
In series:OECD Trade Policy Studiesview more titles