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Lerner meets metzler : tariff pass-through of worldwide trade

Author

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  • Kazunobu, Hayakawa

Abstract

In this paper, we start with quantifying the worldwide tariff pass-through, i.e., the impact of tariff reductions on trade prices. We find that a 1% reduction of tariffs decreases trade prices by 0.1%, i.e., a negative tariff pass-through (Lerner paradox). To uncover the mechanism underlying this result, we decompose trade prices into product quality and quality-adjusted trade prices. As a result, we found that a 1% reduction of tariff rates decreases product quality by 1.2% and increases quality-adjusted trade prices by 1.1% (Metzler paradox). We construct a theoretical model that demonstrates the mechanism behind these empirical results. We suggest that both a firm-delocation mechanism under variable markups and a quality-sorting mechanism are the driving forces behind these empirical findings. Lastly, by employing this theoretical model, we also examine the welfare effect of tariff changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Kazunobu, Hayakawa, 2019. "Lerner meets metzler : tariff pass-through of worldwide trade," IDE Discussion Papers 741, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
    • Handle: RePEc:jet:dpaper:dpaper741
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen CHEN & Nimesh SALIKE & Willem THORBECKE, 2025. "Exchange Rates and Tariffs: Unravelling their impacts on China's ICT exports while accounting for product sophistication," Discussion papers 25054, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    2. Ha Thi Thanh Doan & Hongyong Zhang, 2024. "Technical barriers to trade, product quality and trade margins: firm-level evidence," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 160(3), pages 785-811, August.
    3. Mukunoki,Hiroshi, 2025. "A Theoretical Perspective on the Economic Effects of U.S.–China Trade Disputes," IDE Discussion Papers 953, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations

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