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Trade Policy Ambiguity

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  • Joseph B. Steinberg

Abstract

This paper studies how Knightian uncertainty about the distribution of future trade policies affects current trade flows using a dynamic trade model with a sunk cost of exporting. Qualitatively, trade-policy ambiguity reduces export participation in a similar manner to standard trade-policy risk, but also increases sensitivity to tariff bounds, decreases sensitivity to the likelihood of a tariff increase, and can either increase or decrease sensitivity to tariff persistence. Quantitatively, ambiguity dampens the response of trade to persistent reforms and strengthens the response to transitory reforms.

Suggested Citation

  • Joseph B. Steinberg, 2025. "Trade Policy Ambiguity," NBER Working Papers 34408, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:34408
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    Cited by:

    1. Gustavo de Souza & Haishi Li & Ziho Park & Yulin Wang, 2025. "Trade Policy Uncertainty and Supply Chain Disruptions: Firm-Level Evidence from "Liberation Day"," CESifo Working Paper Series 12285, CESifo.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F17 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Forecasting and Simulation

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