b'2.2.2 The fall in global tariffsTable 33The fall in global tariffs since 1990 Source: World BankTable 33 illustrates how the tariffs imposedThus, the WTO is a good reason why a by five countries (India, Brazil, Russia, Chinatrade agreementfor example with the and the UK) have fallen so that the averageEUis not essential for a country which is a each country charges on imports is wellWTO member. Membership of the WTO under 10%, and is mostly around 5%.guarantees a country the ability to trade with the EU with or without a trade agreement. Another reason for this fall is that WTOThe WTO also makes it impossible for the membership assures all members of Mostcommittedfederalists in the European Favoured Nation status (MFN). MFN ensuresCommission and the European Parliament to that reduced tariffs are applied to all, reducesplace discriminatory tariffs on the UK. rules of origin complications, restrains domestic special interests from developingNote the extent of WTO membership (see protectionisttrade restrictions, and promotesTable 34). All members have an equal right to non-discriminationin trade.participate in trade negotiations, whether or not they are part of a large trading bloc.63'