Non-tariff phytosanitary barriers: opening of the sesame market

Abstract

The paper aims at presenting a conceptual approach to evaluate non-tariff barriers to the international trade of agricultural products by means of a case study of a Brazilian product – sesame seeds. First, the possible non-tariff barriers are defined such as those of a technical nature as well as sanitary and phytosanitary barriers. Then, the main agreements that regulate those barriers affecting agricultural products are presented. A case study of phytosanitary measures that affected the flow of international trade of Brazilian sesame seeds is presented together with the repercussions for the internal supply. The methodologies about the possible forms of economically quantifying those barriers are described. An evaluation of trade flows of the exportation of sesame seed products is made together with trade deviations associated with those barriers as a proxy to analyze the effects of temporary opening and closing of markets for Brazilian products. We conclude that several economic indicators of the impact of phytosanitary barriers can serve as reference and incentive for agricultural producers, buyers and affected countries to advocate for the removal of certain measures.