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Protectionism versus risk in screening for invasive species

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  • Lawley, Chad

Abstract

I examine the extent to which enforcement of a biosecurity import restriction – US border inspections for foreign pests and diseases – is used as a protectionist trade barrier. The parameters of a structural model of border inspection are estimated using a detailed dataset documenting the outcome of US agricultural border inspections. I find that inspections are conducted in a manner that places an implied welfare weight on domestic producers (relative to consumers) ranging from 1 to 1.63. I also find evidence that the inspection agency takes terms of trade into account when inspecting agricultural imports. These results suggest that border inspections are used as a protectionist non-tariff barrier.

Suggested Citation

  • Lawley, Chad, 2013. "Protectionism versus risk in screening for invasive species," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 65(3), pages 438-451.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeeman:v:65:y:2013:i:3:p:438-451
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeem.2012.11.001
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lichtenberg, Erik & Olson, Lars J., 2020. "Tariffs and the risk of invasive pest introductions in commodity imports: Theory and empirical evidence," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 101(C).

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