Offsetmaatregelen

Offsetmaatregelen, also known as offsets or counter-purchases, are commercial compensation practices that require a seller to undertake economic activities in the buyer's country to offset the economic impact of a sale. These measures are often implemented in international trade, particularly in government procurement, defense contracts, and large infrastructure projects. The primary goal of offset requirements is to stimulate domestic economic activity, create jobs, transfer technology, and foster industrial development in the importing nation.

Offset obligations can take various forms. Direct offsets involve the seller providing goods or services that are directly related to the original contract, such as co-production, technology transfer, or local assembly. Indirect offsets, on the other hand, are broader and can include investments in unrelated industries, export promotion for the buyer's products, or establishing local training programs. The specific terms and conditions of offset agreements are typically negotiated as part of the main contract.

While offset measures can offer economic benefits to the importing country, they also face criticism. Critics argue that they can increase the cost of the original transaction, distort international trade, and lead to inefficient allocation of resources. Furthermore, the implementation and monitoring of offset programs can be complex and administratively burdensome. Despite these criticisms, offset arrangements remain a prevalent tool in international commerce, particularly in sectors where governments seek to maximize the domestic economic return from significant purchases.