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Understanding Markups in the Open Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Beatriz de Blas
  • Katheryn N. Russ

Abstract

This paper presents a new model of Bertrand competition between heterogeneous firms in the open economy where the macroeconomic distribution of markups responds to the degree of trade openness and the underlying level of technology in each trading partner. The model's simple closed-form distributions for markups and pricing yield predictions that coincide with a number of stylized facts from the empirical literature on markups, pass-through, and trade openness which previously could be illustrated only through numerical simulations. (JEL D43, F12, F41, L13)

Suggested Citation

  • Beatriz de Blas & Katheryn N. Russ, 2015. "Understanding Markups in the Open Economy," American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 7(2), pages 157-180, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejmac:v:7:y:2015:i:2:p:157-80
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/mac.20120155
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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