Restrictive practices in the food and live animals trade

Nature

Restrictive practices in the food and live animals trade refer to regulations, policies, or actions that limit competition, access, or market entry for certain producers or suppliers. These practices can include tariffs, quotas, and stringent licensing requirements that disproportionately affect small-scale farmers and businesses. Such restrictions can lead to reduced market efficiency, higher prices for consumers, and limited choices in the marketplace. Additionally, they may hinder international trade and exacerbate food insecurity by preventing the free flow of goods. Addressing these practices is essential for promoting fair trade, sustainability, and equitable access to food resources globally.

Claim

Among the more notable food industries where international restrictive practices exist, with governments and the private sectors acting in virtual collusion, are the grains and fishing sectors. In the former, government intervention determines harvest levels and therefore prices, some of which may be subsidized. In the latter, government gun-boats may defend unilaterally proclaimed territorial fishing limits, and catch and fish-products may themselves be government exports, at subsidized prices.

Counter-claim

A number of restrictions on importations have non-commercial purposes. For the protection of health there may be restrictions on certain foods. To protect endangered species there may be importation proscriptions on some kinds of animals and animal products.