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Tariff Elimination and the Wage Gap in an Industrial Specific Factors Model

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  • Henry Thompson
  • John Francis

Abstract

A specific factors model of 458 US manufacturing industries simulates the effects of eliminating manufacturing tariffs on unskilled and skilled wages. The model assumes constant elasticity substitution, industry‐specific capital inputs, and mobile unskilled and skilled labor. Tariff elimination slightly lowers both unskilled and skilled wages, and increases the skilled wage gap. Industry outputs and capital returns absorb the negative impact of the falling tariffs with losses concentrated in more highly protected industries and most industries enjoying small positive outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Thompson & John Francis, 2009. "Tariff Elimination and the Wage Gap in an Industrial Specific Factors Model," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 17(3), pages 447-460, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:reviec:v:17:y:2009:i:3:p:447-460
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9396.2008.00786.x
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    2. Thompson, Henry & Toledo, Hugo, 2022. "Renewable versus nonrenewable energy for Canada in a free trade agreement with China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).

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