When Tariffs Disrupt Global Supply Chains

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2024
Volume: 114
Issue: 4
Pages: 988-1029

Authors (3)

Gene M. Grossman (not in RePEc) Elhanan Helpman (not in RePEc) Stephen J. Redding (Stanford University)

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

We study unanticipated tariffs in a setting with firm-to-firm supply relationships. Firms conduct costly searches and negotiate with potential suppliers that pass a reservation level of match productivity. Global supply chains form in anticipation of free trade. Then, the home government surprises with an input tariff. This can lead to renegotiation with initial suppliers or search for replacements. Calibrating the model's parameters to match initial import shares and the estimated responses to the US tariffs imposed on China, we find an overall welfare loss of 0.12 percent of GDP, with substantial contributions from changes in input sourcing and search costs.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:114:y:2024:i:4:p:988-1029
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29