The hidden cost of trade liberalization: Input tariff shocks and worker health in China

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of International Economics
Year: 2020
Volume: 126
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

This study examines the health effect of input tariff reductions on Chinese manufacturing workers and its heterogeneity across skill levels. We first provide a simple model to demonstrate the mechanisms. We then put the predictions of the model into a test using the China Health and Nutrition Survey data. Exploiting prefecture variations in input tariff shocks, we find that input tariff reductions following China's WTO accession adversely affect worker health through increased working hours. Moreover, input tariff reductions widen both the income and the health gaps between skilled and unskilled workers. Further welfare analysis indicates that ignoring health outcomes would substantially underestimate the welfare disparity between skilled and unskilled workers.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:inecon:v:126:y:2020:i:c:s0022199620300659
Journal Field
International
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25