Description:
TRIST is a simple, easy to use tool to
assess the adjustment implications of trade reform. It
improves on existing tools. First, it is an improvement in
terms of accuracy because projections are based on revenues
actually collected at the tariff line level rather than
simply applying statutory rates. Second, it is transparent
and open; runs in Excel, with formulas and calculation steps
visible to the user; and is open-source and users are free
to change, extend, or improve according to their needs.
Third, TRIST has greater policy relevance because it
projects the impact of tariff reform on total fiscal revenue
(including VAT and excise) and results are broken down to
the product level so that sensitive products or sectors can
be identified. And fourth, the tool is flexible and can
incorporate tariff liberalization scenarios involving any
group of trading partners and any schedules of products.
This paper describes the TRIST tool and provides a range of
examples that demonstrate the insights that the tool can
provide to policy makers on the adjustment impacts of
reducing tariffs.