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The audiovisual services sector covers a wide range of activities related to the production, distribution, and exhibition of audiovisual content such as motion pictures, radio and television programs, and sound recordings. This study addresses issues posed by recent trends and developments of trade in audiovisual services. Stephen E. Siwek examines options for meaningful trade liberalization for entertainment products in the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). He suggests the development of a wide-ranging negotiation strategy (led by the United States) in order to accelerate progress in the audiovisual sector of the GATS. Patrick A. Messerlin and Emmanuel Cocq focus on the profound economic and technological changes in importing countries, including the large European film market.

The Audiovisual Services Sector in the GATS Negotiations is part of a series of AEI studies on negotiations to liberalize trade in services. Each study focuses on a particular service sector, identifies the major obstacles to liberalization in that area, and presents policy options for trade negotiators and interested private-sector participants.

Patrick A. Messerlin is Director of Groupe d‘Economie Mondiale de Sciences Po in Paris. He has published extensively on trade policy, in particular on WTO matters and European commercial policy.

Stephen E. Siwek is a Principal with Economists Incorporated, an economic research and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. He writes and consults on international trade issues in motion pictures, television programs, and computer software.

Emmanuel Cocq is a Research Fellow at Groupe d’Economie Mondiale de Sciences Po. He received his PhD in economics at Sciences Po in Paris.