This book investigates how rules of origin within preferential trading agreements function as strategic instruments of protectionism rather than mere administrative requirements. The authors, a team of distinguished economists affiliated with the Centre for Economic Policy Research, utilize empirical trade data and political economy frameworks to analyze the evolution of these regulations. They argue that governments frequently manipulate these rules to create non-tariff barriers, thereby complicating global supply chains and influencing the outcomes of international trade negotiations.

Experts recognize this work as a critical contribution to the study of international trade policy and regulatory frameworks. Readers frequently note the technical rigor of the analysis, making it a standard reference for scholars and policy analysts interested in the mechanics of trade negotiations.