The objective of this study was to examine some of the key issues involved in the introduction of the proposed Common External Tariff in ECOWAS and the implications for integration in ECOWAS.
It considered the different forms of regional integration agreements, of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (TLS), — which is a Free Trade Area (FTA), — a Common External Tariff (CET), an FTA/CET and a Customs Union and examines their trade, production and revenue effects.
This study collected much data on trade flows and trade policies in ECOWAS member countries that were not available elsewhere.
It permitted to highlight the main issues aroused by the implementation of the TEC and to develop a certain number of recommendations so as to facilitate and strengthen the integration process.