CAN THE OPTIMAL TARIFF BE ZERO FOR A GROWING LARGE COUNTRY?

B-Tier
Journal: International Economic Review
Year: 2021
Volume: 62
Issue: 3
Pages: 1237-1280

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Can the optimal tariff be zero for a growing large country? To pursue the possibility, we extend the Rivera‐Batiz–Romer lab‐equipment model of endogenous technological change to include asymmetric countries, import tariffs, and either homogeneous or heterogeneous firms. Each country's domestic revenue share is a sufficient statistic for its long‐run growth rate, but it is not for its long‐run welfare. A unilateral tariff reduction by either country always increases the balanced growth rate. A zero tariff is locally optimal for a country under a mild condition, which is automatically satisfied at a symmetric balanced growth path with the zero tariff.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:iecrev:v:62:y:2021:i:3:p:1237-1280
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-26