The existence and the use of Trade Defence Instruments (TDIs) are controversial. In the present article, we will argue that the present set of rules has advantages and deficiencies. We will argue that a better set of rules can be worked out for an ideal world but that we are not ready for an ideal world. In the meantime, we need to work with the rules as they exist.
Even for the implementation of the existing rules, we can think of a radically different manner to proceed, for instance, by organizing the policy implementation at central level, in the WTO. Here again, we may be in dreamland for the years to come.
When we then move to the real world, we will argue that the way forward lies in increasing the quality of the work by all the authorities that implement TDI and by increasing the communication and cooperation between those authorities. This may lead to reducing trade friction caused by cases.
We will describe a major effort undertaken by the European Union to implement a quality management programme and we will discuss the possibilities for the authorities of EU's trading partners to cooperate in this effort and to benefit from it.
Journal of World Trade