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How weak are the signals? International price indices and multinational enterprises

Author

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  • Lorraine Eden

    (Department of Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA)

  • Peter Rodriguez

    (The Darden School, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA)

Abstract

International price indices (IPIs) provide the most timely and comprehensive market information available to international business. How do multinational enterprises (MNEs) affect the validity of IPIs? We review the earlier debate over methods for calculating IPIs, which concluded that unit values were inferior to specification prices, although most governments produce only unit value indexes. We explore three ways in which MNEs can affect the validity of IPIs: determining the ‘representative’ transfer price, excluding intrafirm transactions from the index, and choosing the ‘right’ transfer price along the transportation chain. We argue that MNE activities strengthen the case for specification prices; although still uncommon, they are the stronger signal of international markets. Our empirical analysis supports this hypothesis, finding that a 10% increase in the intrafirm trade share of US imports widens the gap between specification price and unit value by 1.3%, with transfer price manipulation further increasing the gap. Journal of International Business Studies (2004) 35, 61–74. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400069

Suggested Citation

  • Lorraine Eden & Peter Rodriguez, 2004. "How weak are the signals? International price indices and multinational enterprises," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 35(1), pages 61-74, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:35:y:2004:i:1:p:61-74
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    Cited by:

    1. Tomáš Buus & Jaroslav Brada, 2010. "VAT and Tax Credits: A Way to Eliminate Tax-Evasive Use of Transfer Prices?," European Financial and Accounting Journal, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2010(1), pages 28-50.
    2. Joshua Aizenman, 2010. "Comment on "Exporting Deflation? Chinese Exports and Japanese Prices"," NBER Chapters, in: China's Growing Role in World Trade, pages 227-230, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Tomáš Buus & Jaroslav Brada, 2008. "On the Properties of Transfer Pricing Rules [O vlastnostech metod stanovení transferových cen]," Český finanční a účetní časopis, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2008(3), pages 39-55.
    4. Jaroslav Brada & Tomáš Buus, 2009. "Detection of Possible Tax-Evasive Transfer Pricing in Multinational Enterprises," European Financial and Accounting Journal, Prague University of Economics and Business, vol. 2009(2), pages 65-78.

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