Fighting Irrelevance: The Role of Regional Trade Agreements in International Production Networks in Asia

Abstract

This chapter contains the sectoral case study on the automotive industry in China. The objective of this chapter is to consider the role, if any, of RTAs in the growth of IPNs in automobile sector in China. Without a doubt, IPNs preceded RTAs. However, with the uncertainly associated with the prolonged negotiations under the WTO Doha Round, additional regional agreements can be expected, while existing ones might expand in depth and scope. Thus, the objective here is to consider these factors that are important to these RTAs and which could therefore encourage greater use of IPNs in China. This is done by considering the automotive sector in China.trade liberalization, international production networks, regional trade agreements, value chain, Asia, automotive, East Asia, China