Integrated Assessment of Trade Liberalization and Trade-Related Policies: A Country Study on the Fisheries Sector in Argentina

This report examines how trade liberalization and related economic reforms influenced the development of Argentina's fisheries sector during the 1990s. It analyses the relationship between trade policies, foreign investment, fisheries subsidies and the sustainable management of marine resources. The study shows that expanding export markets and increasing foreign investment stimulated rapid growth in fisheries production but also contributed to overfishing, declining fish stocks, environmental degradation and social and economic challenges for fishing communities. Drawing on legal, economic, ecological and institutional analysis, the publication assesses the impacts of national reforms and international fisheries agreements on the sector. It also evaluates the economic costs of unsustainable exploitation compared with more sustainable management approaches. The report concludes by proposing policy measures that would enable Argentina to benefit from international trade while protecting marine resources through stronger governance, improved regulation, sustainable fisheries management and greater value addition within the fisheries industry.