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Import Competition and Labour Productivity

Author

Listed:
  • Harry Bloch

    (Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia)

  • James Ted McDonald

    (University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania)

Abstract

The impact of import competition on labour productivity is examined using panel data for a sample of Australian manufacturing firms over the period 1984 to 1993. Import competition is found to interact with domestic competition; such the positive impact of import competition on the level and rate of growth of labour productivity rises with the degree of concentration among domestic producers. The results suggest that the movement towards lowering border protection on manufactured imports into Australia has led to enhanced productivity by domestic producers, especially those in highly concentrated industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Harry Bloch & James Ted McDonald, 2000. "Import Competition and Labour Productivity," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2000n09, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
  • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2000n09
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    File URL: http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/downloads/working_paper_series/wp2000n09.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Peter B. Dixon & Maureen T. Rimmer, 2010. "Optimal Tariffs: Should Australia Cut Automotive Tariffs Unilaterally?," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 86(273), pages 143-161, June.
    2. Alfons Palangkaraya & Jongsay Yong, 2011. "Trade Liberalisation, Exit, and Output and Employment Adjustments of Australian Manufacturing Establishments," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(1), pages 1-22, January.
    3. Priit Vahter, 2009. "Productivity in Estonian Enterprises: the Role of Innovation and Competition," Chapters, in: David G. Mayes (ed.), Microfoundations of Economic Success, chapter 4, pages 131-167, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    4. James Ted McDonald & Mita Bhattacharya & Harry Bloch, 2004. "Labour Productivity, Import Competition and Market Structure in Australian Manufacturing," Econometric Society 2004 Australasian Meetings 48, Econometric Society.
    5. Jayanthakumaran, Kankesu & Neri, Frank, 2004. "Trade Reforms and Changes in Australian Manufactured Exports," Economics Working Papers wp04-09, School of Economics, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
    6. Rahmah Ismail & Aliya Rosa & Noorasiah Sulaiman, 2012. "Globalisation and Labour Productivity in the Malaysian Manufacturing Sector," Review of Economics & Finance, Better Advances Press, Canada, vol. 2, pages 76-86, May.
    7. Sebastiano Manzan & Howard N. Ross, 2011. "U.S. Manufacturing: Productivity, Offshoring, and Imports," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 31(4), pages 2875-2883.
    8. Lionel Bopage & Kishor Sharma, 2014. "Liberalization and Structural Change in Australian Automotive Industry: An Analysis of Trade and Productivity Performance: 1962–2008," Global Business Review, International Management Institute, vol. 15(3), pages 447-460, September.
    9. Oziengbe Scott Aigheyisi, 2019. "Import Competition And Labour Productivity In Nigeria," Oradea Journal of Business and Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 4(2), pages 26-34, September.
    10. Sanidas, Elias & Jayanthakumaran, Kankesu, 2006. "The Consequences of Trade Liberalisation on the Australian Passenger Motor Vehicle Industry," Economics Working Papers wp06-01, School of Economics, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
    11. Valadkhani, Abbas, 2005. "Which Industries Create More Employment? A Cross-Country Analysis," Economics Working Papers wp05-07, School of Economics, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
    12. Turnbull, Christopher & Sun, Sizhong & Anwar, Sajid, 2016. "Trade liberalisation, inward FDI and productivity within Australia’s manufacturing sector," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 41-51.

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