[20220113]IF10166_自由贸易协定（FTA）中的环境条款.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated January 13, 2022Environmental Provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)Linkages between trade and environmental protection have long been a concern to some U.S. policymakers and stakeholders. The central question is whether trade liberalization (i.e., the removal of barriers on the exchange of goods and services between nations) advances shared economic and environmental goals. Some observers argue that economic expansion brought on by trade liberalization adversely affects the environment. Among other concerns, they contend that international competition may lead developing countries to adopt less stringent environmental standards to encourage producers to relocate from jurisdictions with more stringent environmental standards. Thus, some observers argue that environmental provisions are necessary in trade agreements to help raise international environmental standards and protect U.S. businesses and workers. Other policymakers and stakeholders believe that trade liberalization and environmental protection can be mutually supportive. They argue that while economic growth may adversely affect the environment during the initial stages of indus