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Sensitivity of Tariffs and Quotas: A Signaling Game

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  • Mohd Amin

    (Columbia University)

Abstract

In a model with cost-based informational asymmetry and trade policy determined endogenously, we show that tariffs and import-quotas have different sensitivities to the signal sent by the private agents to the home government. Specifically, the optimal quota is shown to be more sensitive than the optimal tariff as measured in terms of the reduction in equilibrium import-volume caused by the change in the government's perception about the true cost of the domestic firm. Consequently, signaling distortion is larger in the quota regime than in the tariff regime. Non-equivalence between the two policy tools follows from this difference in their sensitivities. The model is benchmarked so that under complete information tariffs and quotas are equivalent.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohd Amin, 2004. "Sensitivity of Tariffs and Quotas: A Signaling Game," International Trade 0401003, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpit:0401003
    Note: Type of Document - sensitivity-effect.pdf; prepared on Win98; to print on Letter; pages: 30; figures: None. None
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade Policy; Singnaling;

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations

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