Abstract
Examines the nature and effects of growth of trade between industrialized and developing countries on international economic inequality, employment and wages in individual countries and on global labour standards. Analysing data on employment and trade between Japan and the United States and six large developing countries, the author concludes that growing international economic inequality is attributable not to trade liberalization but to factors such as non-liberalization of trade in agricultural products, and poorer economies' inadequate infrastructure and dependence on exporting primary commodities. Argues that the global net effect of international trade on overall employment is positive, and helps raise labour standards in developing countries.