Lowest Average Tariff Rate 2017

Explore countries with the lowest average applied tariff rates, indicating open trade policies and fewer trade barriers.

129 data points••Global Coverage•Tariff rate, applied, weighted mean, all products (%) | Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Palau flag
Palau
29.88 %
2
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
21.08 %
3
Bermuda flag
Bermuda
20.85 %
4
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
18.49 %
5
Benin flag
Benin
17.84 %
6
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
16.44 %
7
Fiji flag
Fiji
16.05 %
8
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
15.5 %
9
Sudan flag
Sudan
14.01 %
10
Togo flag
Togo
13.43 %
11
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
12.72 %
12
Senegal flag
Senegal
12.3 %
13
Guinea flag
Guinea
12.25 %
14
Maldives flag
Maldives
12.04 %
15
Niger flag
Niger
11.92 %
16
Nauru flag
Nauru
11.27 %
17
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
10.99 %
18
Ghana flag
Ghana
10.61 %
19
Comoros flag
Comoros
10.43 %
20
Belize flag
Belize
10.39 %
21
Aruba flag
Aruba
10.3 %
22
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
10.28 %
23
Samoa flag
Samoa
10.19 %
24
Mali flag
Mali
10.04 %
25
Algeria flag
Algeria
9.38 %
26
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
9.08 %
27
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
8.93 %
28
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
8.72 %
29
Brazil flag
Brazil
8.59 %
30
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
8.34 %
31
Dominica flag
Dominica
8.3 %
32
Argentina flag
Argentina
7.93 %
33
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
7.83 %
34
Egypt flag
Egypt
7.41 %
35
Cuba flag
Cuba
7.15 %
36
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
7.03 %
37
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
6.83 %
38
Guyana flag
Guyana
6.61 %
39
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
6.3 %
40
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
6.1 %
41
India flag
India
5.78 %
42
Tonga flag
Tonga
5.53 %
43
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
5.52 %
44
French Polynesia flag
French Polynesia
5.05 %
45
South Korea flag
South Korea
5.05 %
46
Yemen flag
Yemen
5.03 %
47
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
4.98 %
48
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
4.85 %
49
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
4.8 %
50
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
4.75 %
51
South Africa flag
South Africa
4.61 %
52
Jordan flag
Jordan
4.41 %
53
Colombia flag
Colombia
4.4 %
54
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
4.34 %
55
Qatar flag
Qatar
4.22 %
56
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
4.2 %
57
Morocco flag
Morocco
3.86 %
58
China flag
China
3.83 %
59
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
3.76 %
60
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
3.7 %
61
Russia flag
Russia
3.61 %
62
Turkey flag
Turkey
3.45 %
63
Norway flag
Norway
3.13 %
64
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
3.07 %
65
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
2.93 %
66
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
2.69 %
67
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
2.53 %
68
Japan flag
Japan
2.51 %
69
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
2.43 %
70
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
2.39 %
71
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
2.33 %
72
Armenia flag
Armenia
2.22 %
73
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
2.18 %
74
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
2.07 %
75
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
2.06 %
76
Austria flag
Austria
1.96 %
77
Belgium flag
Belgium
1.96 %
78
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
1.96 %
79
Croatia flag
Croatia
1.96 %
80
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
1.96 %
81
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
1.96 %
82
Denmark flag
Denmark
1.96 %
83
Estonia flag
Estonia
1.96 %
84
Finland flag
Finland
1.96 %
85
France flag
France
1.96 %
86
Germany flag
Germany
1.96 %
87
Greece flag
Greece
1.96 %
88
Hungary flag
Hungary
1.96 %
89
Ireland flag
Ireland
1.96 %
90
Italy flag
Italy
1.96 %
91
Latvia flag
Latvia
1.96 %
92
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
1.96 %
93
Malta flag
Malta
1.96 %
94
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
1.96 %
95
Poland flag
Poland
1.96 %
96
Portugal flag
Portugal
1.96 %
97
Romania flag
Romania
1.96 %
98
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1.96 %
99
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1.96 %
100
Spain flag
Spain
1.96 %
101
Sweden flag
Sweden
1.96 %
102
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
1.96 %
103
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
1.92 %
104
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
1.9 %
105
Israel flag
Israel
1.85 %
106
Oman flag
Oman
1.73 %
107
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
1.68 %
108
Philippines flag
Philippines
1.66 %
109
United States flag
United States
1.66 %
110
Iceland flag
Iceland
1.57 %
111
Canada flag
Canada
1.52 %
112
Belarus flag
Belarus
1.51 %
113
Laos flag
Laos
1.48 %
114
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
1.43 %
115
Serbia flag
Serbia
1.41 %
116
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
1.35 %
117
Mexico flag
Mexico
1.24 %
118
Botswana flag
Botswana
1.12 %
119
Namibia flag
Namibia
0.91 %
120
Australia flag
Australia
0.89 %
121
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
0.87 %
122
Albania flag
Albania
0.85 %
123
Peru flag
Peru
0.8 %
124
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
0.66 %
125
Chile flag
Chile
0.49 %
126
Singapore flag
Singapore
0.07 %
127
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
0.03 %
128
China, Hong Kong SAR flag
China, Hong Kong SAR
0 %
129
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
0 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Palau flagPalau
  2. #2Saint Kitts and Nevis flagSaint Kitts and Nevis
  3. #3Bermuda flagBermuda
  4. #4Solomon Islands flagSolomon Islands
  5. #5Benin flagBenin
  6. #6Central African Republic flagCentral African Republic
  7. #7Fiji flagFiji
  8. #8Guinea-Bissau flagGuinea-Bissau
  9. #9Sudan flagSudan
  10. #10Togo flagTogo

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #129China, Macao SAR flagChina, Macao SAR
  2. #128China, Hong Kong SAR flagChina, Hong Kong SAR
  3. #127Brunei Darussalam flagBrunei Darussalam
  4. #126Singapore flagSingapore
  5. #125Chile flagChile
  6. #124Eswatini flagEswatini
  7. #123Peru flagPeru
  8. #122Albania flagAlbania
  9. #121Mauritius flagMauritius
  10. #120Australia flagAustralia

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

Visit Data Source

Historical Data by Year

Explore Lowest Average Tariff Rate data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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