United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released a report titled “Invisible Barriers: The Cost of Non-Tariff Measures

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released a report titled “Invisible Barriers: The Cost of Non-Tariff Measures

¨     United Nations Conference on Trade and Development released a report titled “Invisible Barriers: The Cost of Non-Tariff Measures.”

¨     According to the report, non-tariff measures now impose higher costs on global exports than tariffs for 88% of countries.

¨     Non-tariff measures are trade-related regulations imposed in addition to customs duties.

¨     These include mandatory standards, product requirements, licensing conditions, and health regulations.

¨     Such measures apply to the trade of goods.

¨     They often require compliance with technical, sanitary, and administrative conditions.

¨     The report stated that developing economies and least developed countries face higher compliance costs under non-tariff measures.

¨     Least developed countries lose nearly 10% of their exports to G20 markets because they are unable to meet non-tariff requirements.

¨     The report also noted that the weak participation of least developed countries in World Trade Organization disputes and negotiations affects their ability to address technical barriers.

¨     In 2025, global tariffs increased by 10% for developed economies.

¨     Tariffs rose by 16% for developing countries.

¨     Least developed countries recorded an 18% rise in tariffs.

¨     Despite the tariff increases, the report said non-tariff measures remained the major expense for most exporters.

¨     The report linked the rise in interventionist trade policies to the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and tariff increases introduced by the United States in 2025.