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Technical Barriers to Trade, Product Quality and Trade Margins: Firm-level evidence

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  • DOAN Thi Thanh Ha
  • ZHANG Hongyong

Abstract

Utilizing matched firm-trade data, this study examines the effect of technical barriers to trade (TBTs) on trade margins and quality upgrading in Chinese manufacturing. We find that TBTs are associated with higher probability of exit. Surviving exporters enjoy larger sales and charge higher export prices. They upgrade product quality by expanding their research and development and importing more intermediate inputs and capital goods. The positive impact of TBTs on quality upgrading offsets that on price increases, resulting in lower quality-adjusted export prices. This suggests the net welfare-enhancing effect of TBTs for the consumers of imported products.

Suggested Citation

  • DOAN Thi Thanh Ha & ZHANG Hongyong, 2022. "Technical Barriers to Trade, Product Quality and Trade Margins: Firm-level evidence," Discussion papers 22056, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:22056
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    1. Mahdi Ghodsi, 2023. "Regulatory Convergence within Technical Barriers to Trade," wiiw Working Papers 229, The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis

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