The world trading environment has witnessed the proliferation of regional trading arrangements during the last decade. This development was accompanied by the perceived threat that this may bring to the rules-based multilateral trading system. The ASEAN for one have not only reaffirmed their...

Competitiveness is technically a firm level concept. However, it is oftentimes extended to the national level--the idea of a country's 'international competitiveness' with the following analogies: market share--export share of country; price--real effective exchange rate or unit labor cost;...

This paper investigates the implications of China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in December of 2001 for the Philippines based on an analysis of Philippines-China bilateral trade structure, a presentation of the commitments made by China for its WTO accession, and a discussion of...

Rice self-sufficiency is a dominant policy objective. However, analysis indicates that government policies are not neutral. Thus, it hampers the realization of the potential comparative advantage of the Philippines in rice production. Results suggest that removal of price distortions that create...

The paper discusses the state of the Philippine garments industry, with specific focus on its competitiveness and logistics infrastructure, and how the industry can make use of the prospective Free Trade Agreement with the US. With the signing of the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing on January...

From being second to Japan in the early 1950s, the Philippine manufacturing sector has now been rated as one of the least successful economic performers in the region. Like the other past attempts, this paper reviews the performance, competitiveness and structure of the country’s manufacturing...

This paper evaluates the impact of the country’s recent trade liberalization experience on the performance, structure and competitiveness of the Philippine Packaging industry. It examines the changes in the industry’s protection level and its consequence, if any, on the levels of allocative...

This study analyzes the effects of the trade policy reform on the structure, performance and competitiveness of the appliance industry. It also examines the links between changes in the industry structure with changes in the performance and competitiveness of the industry. In particular, it...

Economic openness has been generally viewed as beneficial whether in terms of welfare or efficiency gains. While literature has incorporated that trade liberalization causes productivity growth, market structure has taken a prominent role in the analysis recently. This paper determines how it...

This study aims to evaluate the effects of the Trade Reform Program on the performance and competitiveness of the Philippine agricultural machinery industry. It also attempts to identify non-price factors that may impinge on the industry’s competitiveness and efficiency. Findings have revealed...