In this paper, we start with quantifying the worldwide tariff pass-through, i.e., the impact of tariff reductions on trade prices. We find that a 1% reduction of tariffs decreases trade prices by 0.1%, i.e., a negative tariff pass-through (Lerner paradox). To uncover the mechanism underlying this result, we decompose trade prices into product quality and quality-adjusted trade prices. As a result, we found that a 1% reduction of tariff rates decreases product quality by 1.2% and increases quality-adjusted trade prices by 1.1% (Metzler paradox). We construct a theoretical model that demonstrates the mechanism behind these empirical results. We suggest that both a firm-delocation mechanism under variable markups and a quality-sorting mechanism are the driving forces behind these empirical findings. Lastly, by employing this theoretical model, we also examine the welfare effect of tariff changes.
権利
Copyrights 日本貿易振興機構（ジェトロ）アジア経済研究所 / Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO) http://www.ide.go.jp
雑誌名
IDE Discussion Paper
雑誌名(英)
IDE Discussion Paper
巻
741
発行年
2019-02
出版者
Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO)
著者版フラグ
publisher
JEL分類
JEL:F15 - Economic Integration
JEL:F53 - International Agreements and Observance • Internat …
Lerner meets metzler : tariff pass-through of worldwide trade
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