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Revisiting the tariff‐growth correlation: The Australasian colonies, 1866–1900

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  • Brian D. Varian

Abstract

This article tests for the presence of a tariff‐growth correlation among the seven tariff‐autonomous colonies of late‐nineteenth‐century Australasia, making use of several colony‐specific macroeconomic series that have only recently become available. Introducing tariffs to a convergence model yields no evidence of an association between tariffs and growth among the Australasian colonies. This finding is unaltered when the tariff variable is replaced by a purposefully constructed proxy variable for the tariff on manufactures specifically. Additionally, this article finds little evidence that tariffs induced an intersectoral adjustment into manufacturing.

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  • Brian D. Varian, 2022. "Revisiting the tariff‐growth correlation: The Australasian colonies, 1866–1900," Australian Economic History Review, Economic History Society of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(1), pages 47-65, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ozechr:v:62:y:2022:i:1:p:47-65
    DOI: 10.1111/aehr.12233
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    Cited by:

    1. Luke H. Grayson & Brian D. Varian, 2023. "Economic Aspects of Australian Federation: Trade Restrictiveness and Welfare Effects in the Colonies and the Commonwealth, 1901-3," CEH Discussion Papers 01, Centre for Economic History, Research School of Economics, Australian National University.

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