This study sets out to answer three important questions related to Market Access for agricultural exports from African countries ....To what extent do developed countries allow entry of products which are of interest to African developing countries (ADCs)? What needs to be done to make these markets more accessible? And what actions must ADCs take if they are to benefit from meaningful trade liberalisation?

Since 1995, starting with the World Trade Organisation /Uruguay Round Agreement on Agriculture (WTO/URAA), a global initiatives have been undertaken by developed countries. These were designed to improve market access for agricultural products from Developing Countries to Developed country markets but access for many products is still restricted, if not by high tariffs then by other arrangements. In return for the opening up of Developed Country markets, the Developing Countries have agreed to make their domestic markets more accessible. The driving principle behind most of the rules and disciplines governing international trade is to make conditions fair, open and transparent. It is assumed that if these criteria are met, then the so-called level playing field will result. So far this has not been the case.

This study looks at market access for ADCs to the developed markets of the EU, US and Japan for specific products of interest to ADCs :

• Fresh and Processed Fruits
• Fresh and Processed Vegetables
• Tropical Beverages (coffee, cocoa, tea)
• Edible Nuts

The Study should be of interest to those directly involved in agricultural trade negotiations, to national governments in assessing what current market access for them really is and what issues they still require to confront and to development planners in general.

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