Regulating Conglomerates: Evidence from an Energy Conservation Program in China

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2025
Volume: 115
Issue: 2
Pages: 408-47

Authors (5)

Qiaoyi Chen (not in RePEc) Zhao Chen (not in RePEc) Zhikuo Liu (not in RePEc) Juan Carlos Suárez Serrato (Duke University) Daniel Yi Xu (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.609 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

We study a prominent energy regulation affecting large Chinese manufacturers that are part of broader conglomerates. Using detailed firm-level data and difference-in-differences research designs, we show that regulated firms cut output and shifted some production to unregulated firms within their conglomerate instead of improving their energy efficiency. To account for conglomerate and market spillovers, we interpret these results through the lens of an industry equilibrium model featuring conglomerate production. The policy raises welfare if the per ton benefits of carbon reduction exceed $161. Alternative policies that exploit public information on business networks can increase aggregate energy savings by 10 percent.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:115:y:2025:i:2:p:408-47
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-29