A second-best argument for low optimal tariffs on intermediate inputs

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of International Economics
Year: 2023
Volume: 145
Issue: C

Authors (4)

Caliendo, Lorenzo (not in RePEc) Feenstra, Robert C. (University of California-Davis) Romalis, John (Macquarie University) Taylor, Alan M. (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We derive a new formula for the optimal uniform tariff in a small-country, heterogeneous-firm model with roundabout production and a nontraded good. Tariffs are applied on imported intermediate inputs. First-best policy requires that markups on domestic intermediate inputs are offset by subsidies. In a second-best setting where such subsidies are not used, roundabout production and the monopoly distortion in the traded sector create strong incentives to lower the optimal tariff on imported inputs. In a quantitative version of our two-sector small open economy, we find that the optimal tariff is lowered under nearly all parameter values considered, and can be negative.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:inecon:v:145:y:2023:i:c:s0022199623001101
Journal Field
International
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25