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The effect of minimum wage on firm markup: Evidence from China

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  • Du, Pengcheng
  • Wang, Shuxun

Abstract

Our paper examines the impact of minimum wage on firm markup in China. We find that minimum wage generates a positive effect on firm markup. More value-enhancing innovative activities, TFP improvement, and efficient labor resource allocation are the potential channels. Further, the positive influence of minimum wage is more pronounced for privately-owned firms, for firms with higher labor intensity and firms with less financial constraints. Besides, these findings are generally robust to different estimation methods. Our results provide new insights into understanding the channels through which labor regulation may cause the change of markup for the emerging markets countries.

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  • Du, Pengcheng & Wang, Shuxun, 2020. "The effect of minimum wage on firm markup: Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 241-250.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:86:y:2020:i:c:p:241-250
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2019.10.012
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    5. Yang, Yuxiang & Zhang, Hongyong, 2021. "The value-added tax reform and labor market outcomes: Firm-level evidence from China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 69(C).
    6. Jin, Gang & Zhang, Jiwen & Ye, Yongwei & Yao, Shiqi & Song, Jingxiang, 2024. "Social insurance law and firm markup in China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 132(C).
    7. Wen Yue & Xuefei Li, 2023. "Financial constraints and firms’ markup: evidence from China," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-13, December.
    8. Dale-Olsen, Harald, 2023. "The Impact of New Free Trade Agreements on Incumbent Firms and Workers," IZA Discussion Papers 16649, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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