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The Consequences of Non-Tariff Trade Barriers: Theory and Evidence from Import Licenses in Argentina

Author

Listed:
  • Juarez, Leticia
  • Bernini, Federico
  • García-Lembergman, Ezequiel

Abstract

As WTO regulations limited tariffs, non-tariff barriers, such as import licenses (NAILs), became essential trade policy tools. This paper examines how NAILs impact downstream firms in Argentina. Using a novel dataset and the staggered introduction of NAILs between 2005-2011 for identification, we analyze their causal effects on firms' imports and the subsequent effect on exports and employment. Results indicate that NAILs reduce firms' imports, inducing more exposed firms to reduce exports and employment. A trade model with oligopolistic competition suggests that firms' market power can moderate the impact of NAILs in highly concentrated markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Juarez, Leticia & Bernini, Federico & García-Lembergman, Ezequiel, 2024. "The Consequences of Non-Tariff Trade Barriers: Theory and Evidence from Import Licenses in Argentina," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 13961, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:13961
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0013271
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. David H. Autor & David Dorn & Gordon H. Hanson, 2013. "The China Syndrome: Local Labor Market Effects of Import Competition in the United States," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(6), pages 2121-2168, October.
    4. Pol Antràs & Teresa C. Fort & Felix Tintelnot, 2017. "The Margins of Global Sourcing: Theory and Evidence from US Firms," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(9), pages 2514-2564, September.
    5. Julien Gourdon & Alessandro Nicita, 2013. "A Preliminary Analysis On Newly Collected Data On Non-Tariff Measures," UNCTAD Blue Series Papers 53, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
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    Cited by:

    1. Moncarz Pedro Esteban & Florensa Marcelo & Gáname María Cecilia & Jalile Ileana, 2025. "Importaciones como canal de trasmisión del impacto de las Licencias No Automáticas (LNAs) sobre la producción. El caso Argentino," Asociación Argentina de Economía Política: Working Papers 4820, Asociación Argentina de Economía Política.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F42 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - International Policy Coordination and Transmission
    • F68 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Policy

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