And yet another interesting read....
ecommercetimes.com
Are World E-Commerce Tariffs
Inevitable?
By Chet Dembeck
E-Commerce Times Columnist
October 19, 1999
Last week, the United States
announced that it was confident that
the World Trade Organization would
extend a temporary ban on
e-commerce tariffs.
That's the good news.
The bad news is that Deputy Trade
Representative Susan Esserman said
a U.S. proposal that would permanently stop member
nations from imposing duties upon e-commerce had little
chance of success because developing nations refused
to sign on.
The fact of the matter is that while the European Union
and the 21-member Asia-Pacific Economic Forum support
the U.S. effort to keep e-commerce duty free,
developing countries want to see how e-commerce will
affect their economies before they make up their minds.
Fear Of Western Economic Invasion
Proponents of global e-commerce quickly lose sight of a
major fear among poor countries: They're scared to
death of being swallowed whole by a behemoth called
capitalism.
One can hardly blame them, considering that many of
these countries are no match for the slick-running selling
machines that could easily invade their markets via the
Internet.
These countries, like so many others, feel that tariffs
provide a big stick that could be used to keep the
foreign devils at bay.
In addition to the fear of economic loss, industry
observers say that smaller countries also fear that their
culture could be decimated by the World Wide Web's
unwelcome intrusion.
Only Hurting Themselves
Proponents of a permanent moratorium contend that
tariffs imposed by developing countries would only serve
to isolate them further from the rest of the new
economy.
Moreover, they preach that by embracing a free market
solution via the Internet, these countries would be
taking a baby step toward affluence.
Both Sides Have A Point
On the issue of e-commerce tariffs, I think that both
sides make strong points.
But let me turn it around.
Today, western economies are in the driver's seat. But
what happens 10 years from now when professions such
as engineers, accountants and scientists in developing
countries harness the power of e-commerce? Suppose
they suddenly offer their services for much lower prices
than competing Western professionals?
By the way, this process is already happening via the
Internet. If it becomes a trend, I wonder how long would
it take for the professional classes in the U.S. and
Europe to scream for tariffs to be imposed on foreign
e-commerce?
Responsible Approach
In an ideal world, developed countries could neutralize
these demands for tariffs by pumping capital into -- and
building the infrastructure of -- developing countries that
are so pitifully behind.
Nonetheless, I believe the chances of that ever
happening are slim and none.
So, I'm afraid, it's time to get prepared for the
eventuality of
e-commerce tariffs.
What do you think? Let's talk about it.
As always...
Best Wishes,
Swedelo |
