b) With regard to imports, all limits, other than tariffs, have in principle been replaced by tariffs. On the other hand, under the current agreement, MEPs are free to adopt export bans and restrictive measures. Japan therefore proposes to declare all export bans and restrictions (i.e. replaced by export taxes). “1. No prohibition or restriction other than customs duties, taxes or other taxes, whether effect by quotas, import or export certificates or other measures, may be introduced or maintained by a party importing a product from the territory of another contracting party or when exporting or selling products destined for the territory of another contracting party. Article XI of the 1994 GATT prohibits the application of quantitative restrictions unless they are applied over time to prevent or mitigate the critical defect. Since this provision is intended to deter countries from imposing restrictions on the export of food and agricultural products. Its implementation is a way to protect national markets from changes in the global market. If countries do so with regard to commodities such as rice and wheat, poor countries that do so to import food onto the international market may experience dangerous and restrictive access to food. The TPP`s commitment to this area will help improve the stability of regional agricultural markets in general and impose additional food security on low-income countries in the region, such as Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh.

[18] (i) imposes such a ban or restriction on the export or sale of food for export to another contracting party in order to prevent or alleviate a critical food shortage, in any event, notify the other contracting parties before the date of its effectiveness and, unless the critical shortage is caused by a force majeure event that notifies the other contracting parties at least 30 days before it comes into force; or www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/chile-chili/index.aspx?lang=eng Consistent with the long-term goal of a fairer, more market-oriented agricultural trade system and the procedures agreed at the March meeting of the Committee on Agriculture, the United States has presented a comprehensive proposal for agricultural reform aimed at correcting and preventing restrictions and distortions on global agricultural markets. “Trade saves lives” could have made headlines. Covid-19 struck so hard, quickly and in so many nations at the same time that many countries were not only quickly produced and imported, but they also imposed restrictions on the export of protective masks, fans and other products they lagged behind. As of 26 April 2020, at least 75 governments had banned or restricted the export of medical equipment and medicines. The effects, pros and cons of these export restrictions have been examined elsewhere. This contribution aims to define the options and limits of international trade agreements. Section II examines export restrictions under EU law, first inside and outside the EU.