United Nations
International trade
International trade allows countries to grow beyond the capacity of their domestic markets and allow them to facilitate the flow of goods, services, and technologies that otherwise may not have been possible. The importance of international trade has grown significantly over the past decades as countries become more inter-connected. The International Trade and Integration Division of ECLAC conducts various quantitative and qualitative works aimed at strengthening the international trade agreements and policies in the region. Some of the works include studies and publications of reports regarding the region’s foreign trade and supply chain. In addition, the division also hosts various seminars and courses in promoting exports of goods and services.
Activities
An Introduction To CGE Modeling focus upon trade and tax policy
An Introduction to CGE Modeling is designed to introduce fundamental concepts and practices of tax and trade policy assessment. The primary tool used is Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling. The workshop will be a brief introduction to the practice of economic impact analysis, and a presentation of how CGE models are used to provide evidence-based analysis for Caribbean countries. The presentations will explain standard economic theory behind general equilibrium and will provide examples of CGE applications for tax policy and international trade analysis.
News
Estimation of New Tariffs Applied by the United States
The methodology used to estimate the new U.S. tariff levels involves calculating effective tariffs based on detailed customs data from January–February 2025, simulating four distinct tariff scenarios reflecting policy changes through May 2025. These scenarios incorporate general surcharges, sector-specific increases, and partner-specific measures, particularly targeting China, Canada, and Mexico. The data is aggregated to align with GTAP sector classifications, enabling socioeconomic impact modeling through a computable general equilibrium framework.
Latin America Should Take the Long View on Tariffs
Op-ed by José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, published in Project Syndicate on 23 April, 2025 (all rights reserved).
ECLAC Downwardly Revises Growth Projections for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025
Today the United Nations regional organization updated its GDP estimates for each of the region’s countries.
Authorities and Experts Call for Joint Efforts to Align Trade Policies with Sustainability Goals
During a high-level conference held at ECLAC, trade and sustainability thought leaders from across Latin America came together to advocate for a strengthened international trade system and better alignment of global commerce with the world community’s commitment to sustainable development. A number of speakers emphasized the value of cooperation on ideas to remake the trade system to be fit for purpose, especially in times of crisis such as the present.
