Interregionalism, Trade, and Standardization

Abstract

The European Union and the Common Market of the South reached a political accord for a free trade agreement in 2019. This chapter assesses the definitional and normative content of trade facilitation and intellectual property rights therein. Both policy areas are regulated in reference to international rules and standards as set by the World Trade Organization agreements. Yet, they equally evince the articulation of novel definitional and standardization materials. This is the case for transparency, participation, and the involvement of the business community in trade facilitation. In intellectual property, these relate to an explicit commitment to advancing economic and social welfare, and a clear public interest dimension, especially around patents and health. Ideational and institutional elements account for these noteworthy outcomes. Whereas the first refer to how ideas and discourse evolve in trade regulations and standards, the second variable underscores the relevance of history, thus emphasizing interregionalism as a process, where context and time are essential.