Economic Impact of Tariff Rate Quotas and Underfilling: The Case of Canned Fruit Exports from South Africa to the EU

Export trade provided for under tariff rate quotas (TRQs) is an important contributor to improving South Africa’s export access European markets. The performance of exporter-administered TRQs has not received much research attention in the context below par market utilisation a given opportunity. present study analysed how country performed terms utilising its TRQ canned pears, apricots, and peaches by Union (EU) period 2010 2019. permit allocation system Africa described further understanding aspects likely affect quota fill. Performance was assessed yearly rates as well welfare measured equivalent variation calculated computable general equilibrium (CGE) model. analysis found that fruit exhibited fill average 61% past 10 years (2010–2019) 49% 2015–2019, thus falling far short goal achieving full availed EU within protocols liberalised trade. effects liberalisation confirmed underutilisation indicated loss, considering difference gains underutilised (USD 2497) fully utilised 2530). highlights importance preferences.