README for LABPTA 2.0 Database
Description:
The LABPTA 2.0 dataset classifies labor provisions (LPs) in 610
preferential trade agreements (PTAs) spanning the period 1990-2021. The
database maps labor provisions into six broad categories and 140 detailed
subcategories. It also provides three separate measures of the stringency
of labor-related commitments in PTAs. The database can be utilized in a
gravity framework to determine the effects of PTAs with LPs on trade and
other economic outcomes of interest.
Data Files Available for Download:
(1) "LABPTA_2.0" file provides the coding of labor provisions across
six broad categories and 140 detailed subcategories for 610 PTAs.
(2) "LP_stringency_measures" file provides three separate measures of
the stringency of labor provisions in PTAs.
(3) "protocols_amendments" file shows how protocols and amendments to
PTAs have been classified in LABPTA 2.0.
Recommended citation for LABPTA 2.0:
(1) Raess, D. and Sari, D. (2025). Labor Provisions in Trade
Agreements (LABPTA) Codebook and Coding Version 2.0, 1990-2021. [Data
Collection].
Washington, DC: U.S. International Trade Commission.
10.71894/7wan-ct06
(2) Raess, D. and Sari, D. (2018). Labor Provisions in Trade
Agreements (LABPTA): Introducing a New Dataset, Global Policy 9(4): 451-
466.
(3) Ahmad, S., Raess, D. and Thome K. (2023). Do Female Workers in
Developing Countries Benefit from Labor Provisions in PTAs? Economics
Working Paper Series, Working Paper 2023-10-E, U.S. International Trade
Commission, Washington DC
Users of the measure of the depth of LPs, please replace the above
citation to the following:
(1) Raess, D. and Sari, D. (2025). Labor Provisions in Trade Agreements
(LABPTA) Codebook and Coding Version 2.0, 1990-2021. [Data Collection].
Washington, DC: U.S. International Trade Commission. 10.71894/7wan-
ct06
(2) Raess, D., Dur, A. and Sari, D. (2018). Protecting labor rights in
preferential trade agreements: The role of trade unions, left
governments, and skilled labor, Review of International Organizations
13(2): 143-162.
(3) Ahmad, S., Raess, D. and Thome K. (2023). Do Female Workers in
Developing Countries Benefit from Labor Provisions in PTAs? Economics
Working Paper
Series, Working Paper 2023-10-E, U.S. International Trade
Commission, Washington DC
Disclaimer: The data and codebook for LABPTA 2.0 are based on the work of
Damian Raess and Dora Sari, with the support from USITC Staff, and are
solely meant to represent the opinions and professional research of the
individual authors. The data and codebook are not meant to represent in
any way the views of the U.S. International Trade Commission or any of
its individual Commissioners.
