This article provides an introduction to the trade restrictiveness index (TRI), which equals the uniform tariff that is welfare equivalent to a given pattern of trade protection. Unlike standard measures of trade restrictiveness, the TRI has a solid theoretical basis, can incorporate both...

This study uses the trade restrictiveness index (TRI) of Anderson and Neary (1990) to evaluate U.S. policy toward seven major exporters of textiles and apparel under the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA). The period covered is 1982-88. The MFA controls the shipment of most textile and apparel items...