Request Approach

Request/Offer Approach and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Request/Offer Approach: A tariff negotiating procedure whereby specific requests (e.g., cuts of a specified amount in the tariff on particular products) are submitted to a trading partner identifying the concessions sought and those proposed to be given in return. Counter-offers are exchanged and negotiated by the countries involved and, once the deal is struck, results are extended to all other GATT members in accordance with the MFN principle. In contrast with the formula approach, the request/offer approach tends to concentrate negotiating efforts in areas of primary commercial interest to participating countries. A potential drawback is that it may forego opportunities to achieve broad, across-the-board trade liberalization.