A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF GATT IN RELATION TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW

AUTHOR- SONAM SRIVASTAVA, LLB (HONS) STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY NOIDA

BEST CITATION – SONAM SRIVASTAVA, A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF GATT IN RELATION TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW, ILE MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL, 4 (1) OF 2025, PG. 1118-1131, APIS – 3920-0007 | ISSN – 2583-7230

Abstract

This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and its role in the development and functioning of international trade law. As a foundational legal instrument that shaped post-World War II global trade relations, GATT established key principles and mechanisms for reducing tariffs, eliminating discriminatory practices, and promoting fair competition among nations. The paper delves into the historical context of GATT’s formation, its core legal structures, and the principles it introduced—such as most-favoured-nation treatment, national treatment, and transparency.

Further, the research explores GATT’s transformation into the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework, examining how its legal principles were incorporated and expanded in a broader institutional structure. Through case studies and comparative legal analysis, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of GATT in resolving trade disputes, balancing the interests of developed and developing countries, and adapting to contemporary challenges in the global economy. The dissertation also critically assesses the limitations of GATT, its relevance in the face of regional trade agreements, and the potential future of multilateral trade governance.

This study concludes that while GATT laid a strong legal foundation for international trade law, its evolution through the WTO and subsequent trade agreements reflects the dynamic nature of global trade. The insights presented aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of how international legal frameworks can promote equitable and sustainable trade.

Keywords

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), International trade law, World Trade Organization (WTO), Tariffs, Trade barriers, Most-favoured-nation treatment (MFN), National treatment, Transparency, Trade liberalization, Dispute resolution, Multilateral trade negotiation, Trade agreements, Trade disputes, Trade governance, Protectionism, Non-discrimination, Reciprocity, Trade policy, Economic integration, Trade rounds (Geneva, Annecy, Torquay, Dillon, Kennedy, Tokyo, Uruguay), Trade concessions, Trade rules, Trade system evolution, Institutional economics, Legal positivism, International relations theory, Trade reforms, Developing countries, Agricultural subsidies, Intellectual property rights (TRIPS), Services trade (GATS), Non-tariff barriers, Trade dispute settlement, Regional trade agreements, Global value chains, Sustainable development, Market access, Trade liberalization mechanisms, Bretton Woods system, International Trade Organization (ITO), Protectionism, Trade policy challenges, Economic globalization