The Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations in the World Trade Organisation amount to an increase of world exports of $359 billion on an annual basis from a deal on the liberalisation of industrial goods, agriculture, services and on the removal of red tape. According to a new EU study published, if an agreement on sectoral liberalisation of industrial goods (chemicals, machinery, electronics) could be reached, world exports would increase by a further $146 billion, totalling $505 billion annually.
 

A new EU study published by the Commission shows significant economic benefits from a Doha deal. In particular, the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations in the World Trade Organisation amount to an increase of world exports of $359 billion on an annual basis from a deal on the liberalisation of industrial goods, agriculture, services and on the removal of red tape. According to the study, these benefits could even be increased if an agreement on sectoral liberalisation of industrial goods (chemicals, machinery, electronics) could be reached.

The study also reveals that the removal of red tape in trade, so-called trade facilitation (e.g. simplification of customs procedures, transport and trade logistics), is of major importance for a successful Doha Development deal. Almost half of the global gains ($100 billion in world exports) are to be reaped from this part of the agreement. The European Parliament shares the same point of view, as MEPs explained in September 2011. In addition, a successful Doha agreement would not negatively affect wages of EU workers. Wages for skilled and unskilled labour would even increase by around 0.3%.

The EU has played a proactive and constructive role in the DDA negotiations, including by developing a solid compromise proposal in the key area of tariffs on industrial goods, and by consistently calling for deliverables to address specific challenges faced by Least Developed Countries. The EU is determined to work with its WTO partners to bring the Doha Round out from the present stalemate towards a successful conclusion.