Trade and International Competition Policy (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
May 10, 1999 |
| Report Number |
RS20191 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Dick K. Nanto, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
International competition policy is aimed at prohibiting private activities that restrict or distort
competition particulary as they affect trade. It is both a process of harmonizing national
competition policies and a goal of negotiating a multinational agreement on antitrust policy.
Although every industrialized nation has national antitrust and competition laws, there is no
consensus on the need for, shape of, or reach of an international competition policy. The World
Trade Organization is exploring the possibility of including competition policy in its negotiating
agenda. Congressional action on competition policy centers mainly on its oversight of trade,
economic, and antitrust relations with foreign countries. This report will be updated as events
warrant.
