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Market size, markups and international price dispersion in the cement industry

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  • Leone, Fabrizio
  • Macchiavello, Rocco
  • Reed, Tristan

Abstract

Prices for several intermediate inputs, including cement, are higher in developing economies - particularly in Africa. Combining data from the International Comparison Program with a global directory of cement plants we estimate an industry equilibrium model to distinguish between drivers of international price dispersion: demand, costs, conduct, and entry. Developing economies feature both higher marginal costs and higher markups. African markets are not characterized by higher barriers to entry and, if anything, feature relatively more competitive conduct. The small size of many national markets, however, limits entry and competition and explains most of the higher markups. Policy implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Leone, Fabrizio & Macchiavello, Rocco & Reed, Tristan, 2022. "Market size, markups and international price dispersion in the cement industry," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 117954, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:117954
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    international price dispersion; market power; market size; markup; cement; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E31 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Price Level; Inflation; Deflation
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L61 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Metals and Metal Products; Cement; Glass; Ceramics
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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