All about the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 

GATT was created to reduce protectionism and promote a more open and fair trading system. It provides a framework for negotiations and dispute resolution among member countries, to ensure that trade policies are transparent, predictable, and non-discriminatory.

What Is (GATT) the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade?

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) is an international trade agreement that was established in 1947. Its main objective is to promote and facilitate the free flow of goods and services between member countries by reducing trade barriers such as tariffs and quotas.

Over time, GATT evolved through a series of negotiations known as "rounds." The most significant of these rounds was the Uruguay Round, which concluded in 1994 and led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO replaced GATT as the primary institution governing international trade.

GATT and economic growth

GATT has played a crucial role in promoting economic growth, stability, and development worldwide. By facilitating trade and reducing barriers, it has enabled countries to expand their markets, increase productivity, and enhance competitiveness. It has also provided a platform for resolving trade disputes through negotiations and legal mechanisms, helping to maintain a rules-based international trading system.


However, challenges remain in the area of trade liberalization. Some countries still impose protectionist measures, and issues related to intellectual property rights, agriculture, and services trade continue to be debated within the WTO. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges and further enhance the benefits of international trade for all participants.

The GATT's aims are:

1. promoting trade liberalization internationally.
2. Eliminating barriers to international trade.
3. Using discussions to settle conflicts in international trade.
4- Establishing the international environment and getting ready for the World Trade Organization to be established.

What are the 5 principles of GATT?

1. Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) Principle:

According to this principle, any advantage, favor, privilege, or immunity granted by one member country to another should be extended to all other member countries. In simpler terms, it ensures that each member treats all others equally and does not discriminate against any particular country.

2. National Treatment Principle: 

This principle states that imported goods from other member countries should be treated no less favorably than domestically produced goods. It ensures that imported products are not subjected to discriminatory measures, such as higher tariffs or additional regulations, compared to similar domestic products.

3. Reciprocity Principle:

The GATT operates based on reciprocal trade concessions. Member countries negotiate and agree to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers in a mutually beneficial manner. This principle encourages countries to grant each other concessions, leading to increased trade and market access.

4. Transparency Principle:

Transparency is a fundamental principle of the GATT. It requires member countries to publish their trade regulations, tariffs, and other measures related to trade in a transparent manner. This allows other countries to understand the trade policies and regulations of each member, ensuring fairness and predictability in international trade.

5. Safety Valve Principle:

The GATT recognizes that there may be situations where a member country needs to protect its domestic industries temporarily. The safety valve principle allows countries to impose trade restrictions, such as import quotas or tariffs, under certain circumstances, such as to protect national security or address balance of payment difficulties. However, these measures should be temporary and applied in a non-discriminatory manner.

These five principles form the foundation of the GATT and guide its provisions to promote fair and open international trade. They aim to create a level playing field for all member countries, facilitate the flow of goods and services, and foster economic growth and development.

What is the difference between WTO and GATT?

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) are both international organizations that aim to promote free trade and regulate global trade policies. However, there are several key differences between the two.

The GATT operated on a consensus-based decision-making process, where decisions were made unanimously among member countries. In contrast, the WTO operates on a more democratic basis, with decisions made through voting. This allows for a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process, ensuring that the interests of all member countries are taken into account.

Also under the GATT, dispute resolution was a lengthy and often ineffective process. The WTO, however, introduced a more efficient and binding dispute settlement system. It includes a Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) that provides a forum for member countries to resolve trade disputes through a structured and legal process. This mechanism has significantly improved the enforcement of trade rules and the resolution of disputes among member countries.

The scope of the WTO's agreements is much broader than that of the GATT. The WTO has expanded its coverage to include agriculture, textiles, services, intellectual property rights, and various other trade-related issues. This comprehensive approach reflects the changing global trade landscape and the need for a more inclusive and balanced framework to govern international trade.



Although GATT is no longer in force, its principles and contributions continue to shape global trade. The establishment of the WTO was built upon the foundation laid by GATT, further promoting trade liberalization and addressing new challenges in the international trade arena. Today, GATT's legacy lives on in the form of the multilateral trading system, which seeks to facilitate fair and mutually beneficial trade relationships among nations.

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