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Effect of Import Liberalization on Tariff Revenue in Ghana

Author

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  • William Gabriel Brafu-Insaidoo
  • Camara Kwasi Obeng

    (University of Cape Coast, Ghana)

Abstract

In contributing to the ongoing debate on the impact of trade liberalization, this paper investigates the quantitative effect of import liberalization on tariff revenue in Ghana. A decomposition analysis was conducted to determine the relative effects of the different features of the import policy reforms. In addition, the impact of tariff rate reductions on tariff revenue was inferred using estimated results from the real imports equation. The study indicates that import tariff revenue is neither buoyant nor elastic in Ghana. Even though exchange rate depreciation over the liberalization period has increased tariff revenue, it is offset by the revenue-reducing effect of tariff reductions over this period. Moreover, the net effect of import liberalization in the form of reductions in the average tariff rate has been negative. The study recommends further improvements in customs administration and duty collection mechanisms to reduce leakage, an effective detection of evasion, enforcement of penalties, and tax replacements as key complementing measures.

Suggested Citation

  • William Gabriel Brafu-Insaidoo & Camara Kwasi Obeng, 2008. "Effect of Import Liberalization on Tariff Revenue in Ghana," Working Papers 180, African Economic Research Consortium, Research Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:aer:wpaper:180
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    File URL: ftp://41.215.20.26/RePEc/aer/wpaper/RP180.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Isaac Kwesi Ofori & Camara Kwasi Obeng & Mark Kojo Armah, 2018. "Exchange rate volatility and tax revenue: Evidence from Ghana," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 1537822-153, January.
    2. Manamba Epaphra & Lucas E. Kaaya, 2020. "Tax Revenue Effect of Sectoral Growth and Public Expenditure in Tanzania: An application of Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model," Romanian Economic Business Review, Romanian-American University, vol. 15(3), pages 81-120, September.
    3. Nomfundo Portia Vacu & Nicholas M. Odhiambo, 2017. "A Review of Imports Structure and Reforms in Ghana," EuroEconomica, Danubius University of Galati, issue 1(36), pages 144-158, May.
    4. Glenn P. Jenkins & Chun-Yan Kuo & Sener Salci, 2013. "Measuring The Foreign Exchange Premium And The Premium For Non-Tradable Outlays For Twenty Countries In Africa," Development Discussion Papers 2013-05, JDI Executive Programs.
    5. Richardson Kojo Edeme & Chigozie Nelson Nkalu & Benedict Azu & Sylvernus Chinedu Nwachukwu, 2016. "Alternative Specification and Estimation of Tax Revenue-Gross Domestic Product Relationship," Asian Journal of Economic Modelling, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 4(3), pages 134-141, September.

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