Protocol - Assessing the effectiveness of AGOA in increasing trade from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the expected impact (on participating countries and the US) of extending Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) access to the US market to all products from all LDCs

Abstract

This is the protocol for a systematic review which aims to rigorously assess the evidence base on the benefits of AGOA for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to arrive at a clear understanding of its effectiveness and impact. It provides background information and details of the methods to be used. The final review will consist of three sections. The first section will outline the impact of AGOA - this will indicate clearly the impact AGOA has had in stimulating exports from Sub-Saharan countries. The second section will disaggregate this export impact; outlining which countries and sectors that have gained most from AGOA and why, as well as exploring the barriers which have limited the effectiveness of AGOA in other countries and sectors. The first two sections will give a good indication as to how effective or useful AGOA has been and will inform the analysis in the third section, which will explore the impact of removing the preferences offered by AGOA by extending full access to the US market for all products from all LDCs