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The Threshold Effect of Factor Price Distortion on Technological Content of Exports: Evidence from China

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  • Jiancai Pi
  • Daqiang Song

Abstract

Using panel data from 31 provinces in China, covering the period from 2003 to 2017, this article analyzes the threshold effect of factor price distortion on the technological content of exports. The results show that factor price distortion does not necessarily impede improvement in the quality of the technological content of exports. Instead, the adverse effect can be weakened when the value of per capita GDP is higher than RMB13,154 or the value of FDI goes beyond RMB480.9 billion. This is because a high regional economic development level alleviates the adverse effect of factor price distortion on the technological content of exports. Our results are robust when the dependent variable and sample years are changed. This article also addresses the endogeneity issue. We also consider the underlying mechanism through which factor price distortion affects the technological content of exports.

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  • Jiancai Pi & Daqiang Song, 2020. "The Threshold Effect of Factor Price Distortion on Technological Content of Exports: Evidence from China," China & World Economy, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, vol. 28(6), pages 51-77, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:chinae:v:28:y:2020:i:6:p:51-77
    DOI: 10.1111/cwe.12355
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