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The Elusive Productivity Effect of Trade Liberalization in the Manufacturing Industries of Emerging Economies

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  • Berhanu Abegaz
  • Arnab K. Basu

Abstract

Using a model that admits variable returns and imperfect competition, we investigate the impact on total factor productivity of trade liberalization in six emerging economies. Regressions based on panel data for twenty-eight three-digit manufacturing industries show that productivity growth is insensitive to tariff reduction. These results are at variance with country-specific studies that, using firm-level data, generally find a positive association between liberalization and productivity growth. While aggregation effects may matter, our results can also be explained as follows: significant productivity gains by latecomers via technological assimilation do take time and require appropriate sequencing of reforms of trade and industrial policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Berhanu Abegaz & Arnab K. Basu, 2011. "The Elusive Productivity Effect of Trade Liberalization in the Manufacturing Industries of Emerging Economies," Emerging Markets Finance and Trade, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 47(1), pages 5-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:mes:emfitr:v:47:y:2011:i:1:p:5-27
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