User Manual and Handbook on Agricultural Trade Policy Simulation Model (ATPSM)

The Agricultural Trade Policy Simulation Model (ATPSM) is designed of detailed analysis of agricultural trade policy issues. It can be used as a tool by researchers and negotiators alike for quantifying the economic effects at the global and regional level of recent changes in national trade policies. ATPSM is a deterministic, partial equilibrium, comparative static model covering 161 countries and 35 agricultural commodities. Features of the model include the extensive database, the distinction between bound and applied tariffs, and quota rents. Rents associated with two-tier tariff rate quotas are explicitly modelled within ATPSM. The model solution gives estimates of the changes in trade volumes, prices, government revenues and welfare indicators associated with changes in the trade policy environment. The model is distributed for free from UNCTAD's website. Instructions in the use of ATPSM are contained in this report. No prior knowledge of modelling or programming is required to install and run the model. The instructions cover use of the interface to set up scenarios and report the results, the model structure and the data