Rebalancing trade flows: making the case for preferential treatment in culture

The value of global exports for cultural goods has increased to over US250 billion. There is, however, an imbalance in the trade of cultural goods and services worldwide, with less than 30% of total global exports originating from the global South. This decreases significantly in the trade of audiovisual and music goods (23%) and in the field of publishing (18%). Granting preferential treatment for developing countries is one of the most binding provisions in the 2005 Convention (Article 16). It offers unprecedented negotiating spaces for cultural policy and trade actors to open up market access for cultural goods and services from developing countries, and promote the mobility of their cultural professionals. While Article 16’s potential for dynamic cultural exchanges is evident, its actual implementation and impact on the ground remain underdeveloped. Amidst global security concerns, increased travel restrictions, and at a time of contested multilateralism, this debate will discuss the specific trade implications of commitments taken under the 2005 Convention, and for the implementation of SDG 10 on reducing inequalities between countries through investments in Aid for Trade and other preferential treatment mechanisms.