Background
Voluntary Export Restraints (VERs) are trade regulations agreed upon by exporting countries or their industries to voluntarily limit the quantity, value, or market share of their exports to another country.
Historical Context
VERs became particularly prevalent during the 1970s and 1980s when countries employed these agreements as a tool to manage trade imbalances and protect domestic industries without resorting to more aggressive forms of trade protection like tariffs or quotas. However, an international consensus reached in 1992 aimed at phasing out these practices due to their trade-distorting effects.
Definitions and Concepts
- Voluntary Export Restraint (VER): A self-imposed limitation by exporting countries’ governments or industries on the volume, value, or market share of certain exports to a particular country.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical Economists might view VERs as impediments to free trade, disrupting the natural allocation of resources and market equilibrium based on comparative advantages.
Neoclassical Economics
In Neoclassical Economics, VERs can be analyzed through the lens of supply and demand. VERs restrict supply, potentially elevating prices in the importer’s market, echoing classic monopoly behavior.
Keynesian Economics
From a Keynesian perspective, VERs can act as a short-term stabilizing tool to protect domestic employment and production, though their long-term impact may shift demand elsewhere.
Marxian Economics
Marxian analysis of VERs would likely focus on the power dynamics between nations, seeing VERs as instruments by stronger capitalist economies to enforce terms favorable to their economic interests.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists would examine how VERs emerge from the interplay of international institutions and diplomatic negotiations, reflecting the rules and conventions governing global trade.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists could study why countries voluntarily accept export restraints, possibly exploring cognitive biases or fears of reciprocal trade barriers swaying decision-makers.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesian analysis might emphasize how VERs influence income distribution within and between nations, stressing the importance of national policy for maintaining economic stability.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists could criticize VERs for distorting market signals and hindering the entrepreneurial discovery process, advocating instead for minimal governmental intervention.
Development Economics
Development economists might scrutinize the adverse impacts VERs have on exports from developing countries, impeding their growth and integration into the global economy.
Monetarism
From a Monetarist perspective, VERs’ impact on market prices and subsequent stabilizing role might be secondary to the primary importance of maintaining sound monetary policies.
Comparative Analysis
VERs often are contrasted with other trade barriers such as tariffs, quotas, and subsidies. While tariffs raise revenues for the government and quotas limit quantity, VERs are agreements intended to preemptively avoid more restrictive trade sanctions.
Case Studies
- US-Japan Automobile VER Agreement: In the 1980s, Japan voluntarily limited car exports to the United States to avoid stricter US tariffs amidst growing protectionist sentiment.
- Textile VERs: Several textile-producing nations accepted VERs during the 1970s and 80s, capping textile exports to developed economies to help maintain employment and industrial stability in those countries.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Free Trade Under Fire” by Douglas A. Irwin
- “Political Economy of International Trade: U.S. Trade Laws, Policy, and Social Costs” by Edward John Ray
- “Trade Policy and Economic Welfare” by W. Max Corden
Related Terms with Definitions
- Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods and services.
- Quotas: Limitations on the amount of a specific product that can be imported or exported in a given timeframe.
- Export Subsidies: Government financial assistance to help encourage domestic companies to export more.
- Trade Barriers: Government-imposed regulations such as tariffs, quotas, and VERs meant to control international trade flows.
- Trade Balances: The difference between the monetary value of a nation’s exports and imports.
