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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat 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.
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