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Explaining Domestic Content: Evidence from Japanese and U.S. Auto Production in the U.S

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  • Deborah L. Swenson

Abstract

This paper studies the domestic content decisions of auto makers in the U.S. between 1984 and 1993 using foreign trade zone activity as a tool by which one can observe individual sourcing and production. The results show that although the domestic content of Japanese firms is rising, differences are not being eliminated completely. Also, the apparent elasticity of substitution is lower for Japanese than for U.S. firms. These results suggest that although transplant production may reduce the U.S. automotive deficit with Japan, transplant production will not cause its elimination.

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  • Deborah L. Swenson, 1996. "Explaining Domestic Content: Evidence from Japanese and U.S. Auto Production in the U.S," NBER Working Papers 5495, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:5495
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert C. Feenstra & Gordon H. Hanson & Deborah L. Swenson, 2000. "Offshore Assembly from the United States: Production Characteristics of the 9802 Program," NBER Chapters, in: The Impact of International Trade on Wages, pages 85-125, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Swenson, Deborah L., 2005. "Overseas assembly and country sourcing choices," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 107-130, May.
    3. Robert C. Feenstra & John Romalis & Peter K. Schott, 2002. "U.S. Imports, Exports, and Tariff Data, 1989-2001," NBER Working Papers 9387, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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