Introductory Survey Of Colonial Tariff Policies

This report treats in detail of the tariff policies of the colonial powers and of the self-governing Dominions of the British Empire. Part 1 contains chapters on tariffs and tariff policies in the colonies of Belgium, France, Germany, Great Britain (Crown Colonies and India), Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United States, with some general descriptive and historical matter. The tables of contents prefixed to each chapter, and the general index will enable the reader readily to locate the discussion of any phase of the subject in which he may be especially interested. Part II sets forth the development of the preferential tariff policy in the British Empire, with chapters on Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Newfoundland. A large part of the Introduction and Summary is based upon the material contained in other chapters, but it begins with an outline of the rise of modern colonial empires. After establishing to necessary distinctions between the different kinds of colonies, it discusses the characteristics and importance of colonial trade. The summaries of the other chapters of the report include brief statements of the general policy of each of the colonial powers, but the survey of colonial tariff policies is mainly developed subject by subject. In the sections of the Introduction and Summary devoted to treaty obligations, import duties, export duties, intercolonial trade, the treatment of colonial products in the market of the mother country, and minor and concealed preferences the reader will find a general presentation of those topics. It is felt that the material presented in this chapter will be sufficient to introduce the subject, and it has been published separately under the title Introductory Survey of Colonial Tariff Policies, which may be obtained from the Government Printing Office for 10 cents a copy.

A Foreign Affairs Best Book of the Year: “Tells the history of American trade policy . . . [A] grand narrative [that] also debunks trade-policy myths.” —Economist Should the United States be open to commerce with other countries, or should it protect domestic industries from foreign competition? This question has been the source of bitter political conflict throughout American history. Such conflict was inevitable, James Madison argued in the Federalist Papers, because trade policy involves clashing economic interests. The struggle between the winners and losers from trade has always been fierce because dollars and jobs are at stake: depending on what policy is chosen, some industries, farmers, and workers will prosper, while others will suffer. Douglas A. Irwin’s Clashing over Commerce is the most authoritative and comprehensive history of US trade policy to date, offering a clear picture of the various economic and political forces that have shaped it. From the start, trade policy divided the nation—first when Thomas Jefferson declared an embargo on all foreign trade and then when South Carolina threatened to secede from the Union over excessive taxes on imports. The Civil War saw a shift toward protectionism, which then came under constant political attack. Then, controversy over the Smoot-Hawley tariff during the Great Depression led to a policy shift toward freer trade, involving trade agreements that eventually produced the World Trade Organization. Irwin makes sense of this turbulent history by showing how different economic interests tend to be grouped geographically, meaning that every proposed policy change found ready champions and opponents in Congress. Deeply researched and rich with insight and detail, Clashing over Commerce provides valuable and enduring insights into US trade policy past and present. “Combines scholarly analysis with a historian’s eye for trends and colorful details . . . readable and illuminating, for the trade expert and for all Americans wanting a deeper understanding of America’s evolving role in the global economy.” —National Review “Magisterial.” —Foreign Affairs