Evaluation of the G.S.P. in Operation

In the previous four chapters I have described and tentatively evaluated the numerous institutional aspects of the entire G.S.P. system. This discussion concentrated on the so-called ‘big three’ schemes — those of the E.E.C., Japan and the United States — which together will account for some 90 per cent of all G.S.P. trade. In this chapter, the prior analysis will be carried one step further. I will attempt to evaluate the G.S.P. based upon ex ante quantitative estimates of the G.S.P. trade benefits likely to accrue to the beneficiary developing countries. This, of course, is no easy task. The reader must bear in mind from the beginning that the results presented are only rough estimates.