This paper is the first of four country case studies which is a part of a broader research
programme addressing trade and structural adjustment issues in non-member economies which was
conducted as a follow-up to Trade and Structural Adjustment: Embracing Globalisation (OECD, 2005)
which identified policies for successful trade-related structural adjustment. This paper studies the trade
liberalisation experience of Chile from 1973 onward.
The report consists of 5 main parts; Part 1 provides the introduction, part 2 looks at the trade
liberalisation in Chile which was implemented in three phases, (1) initial trade reforms (1973-84), (2) trade
reform after a temporary policy reversal(1985-89) and (3) after 1990. Part 3 looks at the evolution and
structure of exports and imports, and Part 4 looks at sectoral developments in the copper industry, agrofood
industry, wood and wooden products industry and the textiles and clothing industry. Part 5 concludes
with lessons learnt. The experience of Chile shows that trade reform has been essential for realigning the
incentive structures in Chile. A stable macroeconomic environment, trade reform starting with the
elimination of quantitative restrictions, introduction of flat tariffs, coherent exchange rate policy, sound
institutional framework, rule of law, mild promotion of exports, use of foreign capital, and relatively
flexible labour market policies have been important factors in Chili's successful trade liberalisation
experience.
Facilitating Trade and Structural Adjustment Chile
Experiences in Non-Member Economies
Policy paper
OECD Trade Policy Papers
Share
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Abstract
In the same series
-
Policy paper11 December 2023
-
10 November 2023
Related publications
-
21 November 2024
-
Policy paper19 November 2024