most-favored-nation clause

Most-favored-nation clause \Most-favored-nation clause\
   (Diplomacy),
   A clause, often inserted in treaties, by which each of the
   contracting nations binds itself to grant to the other in
   certain stipulated matters the same terms as are then, or may
   be thereafter, granted to the nation which receives from it
   the most favorable terms in respect of those matters. It is
   used most frequently in treaties regarding the terms of trade
   between countries, as regarding tariffs and non-tariff
   barriers to trade.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]

         There was a "most-favored-nation" clause with
         provisions for the good treatment of strangers entering
         the Republic.                            --James Bryce.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

         Steam navigation was secured by the Japanese as far as
         Chungking, and under the most-favored-nation clause the
         right accrued to us.                     --A. R.
                                                  Colquhoun.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.] Mostic