Vertical Price Control and Parallel Imports: Theory and Evidence

B-Tier
Journal: Review of International Economics
Year: 2004
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Pages: 551-570

Authors (2)

Keith E. Maskus (University of Colorado) Yongmin Chen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

The paper analyzes parallel imports, or goods traded without the authorization of a trademark owner. Parallel imports have multiple causes, including vertical price control, which the authors model. A manufacturer selling its product through an independent agent sets the wholesale price sufficiently low to induce a desired retail price abroad. This permits the agent to sell the product profitably in the originating market. Combined social surplus decreases and then increases in the cost of parallel trade. Restricting parallel imports benefits the manufacturer, but could raise or reduce global surplus. The econometric analysis indicates that the vertical‐control explanation of parallel imports is important.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:reviec:v:12:y:2004:i:4:p:551-570
Journal Field
International
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25