Swiss Formula

The Swiss Formula is a mathematical formula designed to cut and harmonize tariff rates in international trade. Several countries are pushing for its use in World Trade Organization trade negotiations. It was first introduced by the Swiss Delegation to the WTO during the current round of trade negotiations at the WTO, the Doha Development Round or more simply the Doha Round. Something similar was used in the Tokyo Round.^[1]

The aim was to provide a mechanism where maximum tariffs could be agreed, and where existing low tariff countries would make a commitment to some further reduction.

The formula is of the form

${\displaystyle T_{\text{new}}={\frac {A\times T_{\text{old}}}{A+T_{\text{old}}}}={\frac {1}{{\dfrac {1}{T_{\text{old}}}}+{\dfrac {1}{A}}}}}$

where

A is both the maximum tariff which is agreed to apply anywhere and a common coefficient to determine tariff reductions in each country;

T_old is the existing tariff rate for a particular country; and

T_new is the implied future tariff rate for that country.^[2]

So for example, a value A of 25% might be negotiated. If a very high tariff country has a rate T_old of 6000% then its T_new rate would be about 24.9%, almost the maximum of 25%. Somewhere with an existing tariff T_old of 64% would move to a T_new rate of about 18%, rather lower than the maximum; one with a rate T_old of 12% would move to a T_new rate of about 8.1%, substantially lower than the maximum. A very low tariff country with a rate T_old of 2.3% would move to a T_new rate of about 2.1%.

Mathematically, the Swiss formula has these characteristics:

1. As T_old tends to infinity, T_new tends to A, the agreed maximum tariff
2. As T_old tends to 0, T_new tends to T_old i.e. no change in tariffs as it is already low
3. When T_old is equal to A, the maximum, then T_new is half of A. Thus the maximum tariff which is agreed is cut in half.

It has been argued however that the formula is too simple for use in tariff negotiations and that it does not lead to proportionate reduction in tariffs across all countries. It is because of this that those who believe an "ideal formula" exist are still looking for the ideal formula, with the Koreans having already suggested an alternative formula, though it has not yet been adopted nor is there any proof that an ideal formula exists.

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