A growing share of modern trade policy instruments is shaped by non-tariff barriers (NTBs). Based on a structural gravity equation and the recently updated Global Trade Alert database, we empirically investigate the effect of NTBs on imports. Our analysis reveals that the implementation of NTBs reduces imports of affected products by up to 12%. Their trade dampening effect is thus comparable to that of trade defence instruments such as anti-dumping duties. It is smaller for exporters that have a free trade agreement with the importing country. Different types of NTBs affect trade to a different extent. Finally, we investigate the effect of behind-the-border measures, showing that they significantly lower the importer’s market access.

中文翻译：

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贸易保护与非关税壁垒的作用

非关税壁垒（NTB）塑造了现代贸易政策工具中越来越多的份额。基于结构引力方程式和最近更新的全球贸易警报数据库，我们根据经验研究了非关税壁垒对进口的影响。我们的分析表明，NTB的实施将受影响产品的进口减少多达12％。因此，它们的贸易抑制作用可与诸如反倾销税等贸易防御工具相媲美。对于与进口国具有自由贸易协定的出口商而言，它较小。不同类型的非关税壁垒在不同程度上影响贸易。最后，我们调查了边境措施的影响，表明它们大大降低了进口商的市场准入。