Export Specialisation in the Caribbean and its Implications for Trade Negotiations

Whether the idea of a common Caribbean interest in both regional and international trade negotiations is realistic is assessed. For trade negotiations and agreements a common interest must mean a common pattern of specialization in international trade. To assess whether such common patterns of specialization exist, an analysis of the similarity in export patterns between Caribbean countries both within CARICOM and within the wider region is conducted. This analysis is further extended to consider export similarities between Caribbean countries and NAFTA countries, a sample of EU countries, and a sample of African and Pacific countries. This analysis provides a basis for assessing the extent to which common Caribbean interests overlap with patterns of specialization in other regions that are likely to be key negotiating partners in the future.