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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Tariff Harmonization, Government Revenue and Economic Integration within ECOWAS: Some Reflections |
Author: | Ariyo, Ademola |
Year: | 1992 |
Periodical: | Development Policy Review |
Volume: | 10 |
Issue: | 2 |
Period: | June |
Pages: | 155-174 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Senegal Ivory Coast - Côte d'Ivoire Ghana Nigeria |
Subjects: | tariffs ECOWAS Economics and Trade Politics and Government Inter-African Relations |
External link: | https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.1992.tb00009.x |
Abstract: | The principal motive for the formation of ECOWAS in 1975 was the promotion and expansion of intracommunity trade. Prominent among the many provisions inserted into the treaty was a scheduled process for the elimination of tariffs and other charges with equivalent effect in respect of trade among the member States. This focus on tariffs, it was believed, would go a long way to enhance trade flows and thereby ensure a meaningful economic integration within the subregion. However, after more than 15 years of ECOWAS operations, this basic objective remains unfulfilled. It has been observed that the member States lack the political will to implement most of the decisions of ECOWAS, especially those relating to tariff harmonization. The present article, which is based on data from four countries: Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, argues that this lack of political will may persist with respect to tariff harmonization because of its potential significant negative effect on the fiscal operations of the member States. These States face the risk of an immediate loss of considerable revenue from tariff elimination. It is doubtful whether this loss can be recouped from the expected long-term benefits of enhanced regional integration. Bibliogr., note. |