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Estimating Markups From Plant-Level Data

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  • Sergio Aquino de Souza

Abstract

This paper investigates the consequences of ignoring price heterogeneity on the estimation of markups using micro-data. I show that ignoring output price heterogeneity yields markup estimates severely biased towards one regardless of competitiveness levels. To do so, I set up an econometric model that assumes monopolistic competition and a CES demand function in a differentiated product market. This model controls for unobserved price heterogeneity and is easy to estimate since OLS is applicable. Using data from Colombian plants, the differentiated product model reveals markup estimates considerably higher than one, rejecting the hypothesis of competitive markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergio Aquino de Souza, 2005. "Estimating Markups From Plant-Level Data," Anais do XXXIII Encontro Nacional de Economia [Proceedings of the 33rd Brazilian Economics Meeting] 098, ANPEC - Associação Nacional dos Centros de Pós-Graduação em Economia [Brazilian Association of Graduate Programs in Economics].
    • Handle: RePEc:anp:en2005:098
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity

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