Lowest Average Tariff Rate 2017
Explore countries with the lowest average applied tariff rates, indicating open trade policies and fewer trade barriers.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Palau
- #2
Saint Kitts and Nevis
- #3
Bermuda
- #4
Solomon Islands
- #5
Benin
- #6
Central African Republic
- #7
Fiji
- #8
Guinea-Bissau
- #9
Sudan
- #10
Togo
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #129
China, Macao SAR
- #128
China, Hong Kong SAR
- #127
Brunei Darussalam
- #126
Singapore
- #125
Chile
- #124
Eswatini
- #123
Peru
- #122
Albania
- #121
Mauritius
- #120
Australia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2017, China, Macao SAR and China, Hong Kong SAR led the world with the Lowest Average Tariff Rate at 0%, showcasing the most open trade policies globally. The range of average tariff rates across 129 countries extended from this minimum to a maximum of 29.88% in Palau. The global average tariff rate was 5.27%, with a median of 2.93%, highlighting significant variations in trade openness among countries.
Economic Policies and Trade Openness
The Lowest Average Tariff Rate often reflects a country's commitment to open trade policies and minimal barriers to international commerce. In 2017, China, Macao SAR and China, Hong Kong SAR both maintained a 0% tariff rate, exemplifying their status as major free trade hubs in Asia. These regions have historically leveraged low tariff barriers to stimulate economic growth and attract international business.
Similarly, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore demonstrated low tariff rates at 0.03% and 0.07%, respectively. Singapore, known for its strategic location and robust trade infrastructure, benefits significantly from low tariffs by facilitating efficient trade flows. This is a critical aspect of its economic model, which emphasizes free trade agreements and minimal trade restrictions.
Trade Barriers and Economic Isolation
Conversely, countries with higher tariff rates often experience more restricted trade environments. Palau had the highest average tariff rate at 29.88% in 2017, indicating substantial trade barriers. This could be attributed to its economic policies designed to protect nascent domestic industries from international competition.
Other countries with high tariff rates, such as Saint Kitts and Nevis at 21.08% and Bermuda at 20.85%, may impose such tariffs to generate government revenue or to encourage local production. These countries often rely on import tariffs as a significant source of fiscal income, which can be crucial for small island economies with limited industrial bases.
Year-over-Year Trends and Significant Changes
Analyzing year-over-year changes, Palau experienced a dramatic increase in its average tariff rate by 22.08%, a rise of 283.1%. This substantial increase suggests a strategic shift towards more protectionist trade policies, possibly in response to economic pressures or political changes.
On the other hand, Chile saw the most significant decrease in its tariff rate, dropping by 5.40% or 91.7%
Other notable decreases include South Korea and Mexico, which reduced their tariff rates by 3.62% and 3.11%, respectively. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to enhance trade competitiveness and expand market access by reducing import costs.
Implications for Global Trade Dynamics
The distribution of the Lowest Average Tariff Rate in 2017 underscores the diversity of trade policies worldwide. Countries with low tariff rates generally exhibit stronger integration into global trade networks, facilitating economic growth and consumer benefits through increased access to goods and services. In contrast, nations with higher tariffs may prioritize protecting domestic industries, which can lead to higher consumer prices and limited product variety.
The trends observed in 2017 point to a complex interplay between economic strategies and global trade dynamics, where countries continuously balance the benefits of open markets against the need to protect national economic interests. As global trade evolves, monitoring changes in tariff policies remains crucial for understanding international economic relations and development trajectories.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lowest Average Tariff Rate in 2017
Which country had the lowest average tariff rate in 2017?
China, Macao SAR had the lowest average tariff rate in 2017 at 0%.
What was the highest average tariff rate recorded in 2017?
The highest average tariff rate in 2017 was recorded by Palau at 29.88%.
What was the average tariff rate across all countries in the dataset for 2017?
The average tariff rate across all countries in the dataset for 2017 was 5.27%.
What was the median average tariff rate among the countries in 2017?
The median average tariff rate among the countries in 2017 was 2.93%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for the lowest average tariff rates in 2017?
The top 3 countries with the lowest average tariff rates in 2017 were China, Macao SAR (0%), China, Hong Kong SAR (0%), and Brunei Darussalam (0.03%).
How many countries are included in the dataset for the lowest average tariff rates in 2017?
There are 129 countries included in the dataset for the lowest average tariff rates in 2017.
Insights by country
Japan
In 2017, Japan held the 68th position globally with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 2.51%. This rate is relatively low compared to many of its regional neighbors, facilitating trade and economic integration. Japan's tariff policies are shaped by its commitment to free trade agreements and a focus on maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
Qatar
In 2017, Qatar achieved a global rank of #55 with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 4.22%. This rate is relatively low compared to many other countries in the region, reflecting Qatar's commitment to trade liberalization. The nation's strategic location and significant natural gas reserves have fostered a robust economy, enabling it to maintain competitive tariff levels and attract foreign investment.
Iceland
Iceland ranked #110 out of 129 countries with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 1.57 % in 2017. This rate is notably lower than many of its European neighbors, reflecting Iceland's commitment to free trade policies and minimal trade barriers. The country's unique geographic position and small population allow for a streamlined import process, further contributing to its low tariff rates.
Jordan
In 2017, Jordan achieved a global rank of #52 with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 4.41%. This rate is notably lower than many of its regional neighbors, reflecting Jordan's commitment to trade liberalization compared to countries with higher tariffs. The country's strategic location and efforts to integrate into global markets have driven its tariff policies, aimed at boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
France
In 2017, France ranked #85 globally with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 1.96 %. This rate is relatively low compared to many European countries, reflecting France's commitment to free trade within the European Union. The country's tariff policies are influenced by its integration in the EU's single market, which aims to facilitate trade among member states while maintaining competitive standards.
Ireland
In 2017, Ireland achieved a global rank of #89 with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 1.96%. This rate is notably lower than many of its European neighbors, reflecting Ireland's commitment to free trade within the EU framework. The country's favorable tariff rate is driven by its open economy, reliance on foreign direct investment, and strategic positioning as a gateway for trade between the EU and the United States.
Ghana
In 2017, Ghana achieved a global rank of #18 with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 10.61%. This rate is notably lower than the average for many countries in West Africa, indicating a more trade-friendly environment. The relatively low tariff rates can be attributed to Ghana's commitment to trade liberalization and its strategic economic policies aimed at enhancing competitiveness and attracting foreign investment.
Russia
In 2017, Russia had a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 3.61 %, ranking #61 out of 129 countries. This rate is relatively low compared to many neighboring countries, indicating a more open trade environment. The low tariff rate reflects Russia's efforts to integrate into the global economy and its participation in various trade agreements, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions that impact trade relations.
Estonia
In 2017, Estonia achieved a global rank of #83 with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 1.96%. This rate is notably lower than the global average tariff rates, reflecting Estonia's commitment to free trade and economic openness. The country's strategic location as a gateway between Western Europe and Russia, along with its EU membership, has facilitated its low tariff environment, promoting foreign investment and trade.
Guinea
In 2017, Guinea achieved a global rank of #13 with a Lowest Average Tariff Rate of 12.25%. This rate is notably lower than many of its West African neighbors, which often impose higher tariffs to protect local industries. The relatively low tariff rate reflects Guinea's efforts to promote trade and attract foreign investment, driven by its rich natural resources and the need to diversify its economy beyond mining.
Data Source
Tariff rate, applied, weighted mean, all products (%) | Data
The World Bank provides a dataset on the applied tariff rates, measured as a weighted mean across all products, for various countries. This data helps analyze trade policies and their impact on international commerce.
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