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Export of Recyclable Materials: Evidence from Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Toshihiro Okubo

    (Keio University)

  • Yuta Watabe

    (Keio University)

  • Kaori Furuyama

    (Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA))

Abstract

In this paper, we study the waste haven hypothesis, which predicts that waste materials will be exported from high-income developed countries with stringent environmental regulations to developing countries with less rigorous environmental protection. Using data on Japanese export of recyclable waste resources (plastic waste, waste paper, iron and steel scrap, and nonferrous metal scraps), we find evidence from our econometric analysis that Asian countries provide a waste haven for Japan. In particular, Japan exports waste materials to Asian countries with low per capita incomes and large markets. We suggest that environmental regulation should be tightened to reduce waste trade in Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Toshihiro Okubo & Yuta Watabe & Kaori Furuyama, 2016. "Export of Recyclable Materials: Evidence from Japan," Asian Economic Papers, MIT Press, vol. 15(1), pages 134-148, Winter/Sp.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:asiaec:v:15:y:2016:i:1:p:134-148
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    Cited by:

    1. Sun, Meng, 2019. "The effect of border controls on waste imports: Evidence from China's Green Fence campaign," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 457-472.
    2. Lin, Chin-Ho & Chen, Yiting & Chang, Kuo-I. & Chi, Pei-Yu, 2025. "The evaluation of economic impact of the Basel Convention on the trade of waste electrical and electronic equipment," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    3. Lin, Chinho & Paengsri, Parinyakorn & Yang, Yiwen, 2023. "Impact of China’s National Sword Policy on waste import:A difference-in-differences approach," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 887-903.
    4. Pukitta Chunsuttiwat & Ian Coxhead, 2024. "Will you take my (s)crap? Waste havens in the global plastic waste trade," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 160(4), pages 1203-1246, November.
    5. Bowen Li & Antonio Alleyne & Zhaoyong Zhang & Yifei Mu, 2021. "Sustainability and Waste Imports in China: Pollution Haven or Resources Hunting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-21, January.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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