Barriers or Enablers? Towards Trade-Compatible Technical Measures in Latin America and the Caribbean

As tariffs have progressively declined over time, technical measures have become relatively more important as potential barriers to international trade. But technical measures are less visible than tariff rates, and their effects on trade are more difficult to quantify and understand. This report presents detailed information on the prevalence of technical measures in Latin America and the Caribbean, examines their relationship with international trade, and discusses the main policy issues that countries in the region should consider to ensure that the use of technical measures is compatible with a modern trade and integration agenda.