Explores how countries use rules of origin as barriers to trade to protect final and intermediate domestic producers of goods and to encourage foreign investment. Explains why a firm should take account of rules of origin as if they were a factor of production when deciding where to locate manufacutring operations and purchase parts or materials. Evaluates the different methods of determining the origin of a product. Reviews the history of efforts to harmonize the rules of origin on a global basis. Examines the Agreement on Rules of Origin reached in the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations and analyzes its effectiveness in making origin determinations more transparent, less controversial and more certain.

11/5/01 JOY_D