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Market size, income heterogeneity, and trade

Author

Listed:
  • Sergei Kichko

    (University of Trento)

  • Pierre M. Picard

    (DEM, Université du Luxembourg)

Abstract

This paper studies the effects of market enlargement in the context of monopolistic competition, variable markups and income heterogeneity. Market enlargement increases product diversity and entices firms to reduce prices and markups due to pro-competitive effects. It benefits all individuals but more high-income ones. The strength of market enlargement effect is independent of income inequality for Pollak (1971) preferences. In open economy, the market enlargement of one country reduces prices globally while it fosters firm entry in this country and exit in the other country. Welfare gains are also larger for higher income groups. A calibration exercise suggests that effects on market outcome and welfare gains are sizable.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergei Kichko & Pierre M. Picard, 2023. "Market size, income heterogeneity, and trade," DEM Discussion Paper Series 23-11, Department of Economics at the University of Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:luc:wpaper:23-11
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    File URL: https://hdl.handle.net/10993/57228
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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