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The production approach to markup estimation often measures input distortions

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  • Hashemi, Arshia
  • Kirov, Ivan
  • Traina, James

Abstract

The production approach recovers markups using the output elasticity for a variable and undistorted input. We show using the revenue elasticity for a variable input recovers that input’s wedge. Our result has two implications. First, in the canonical setting with CES demand and monopolistic competition, past research using the production approach with revenue data should be recast as evidence of input, rather than output, distortions. Second, future research can use the production approach with revenue data to study input distortions, provided researchers can measure inputs in physical units. A promising application pertains to labor market distortions.

Suggested Citation

  • Hashemi, Arshia & Kirov, Ivan & Traina, James, 2022. "The production approach to markup estimation often measures input distortions," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:217:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522002257
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110673
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Markups; Input distortions; Output elasticity; Revenue elasticity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • D40 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - General
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L16 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Industrial Organization and Macroeconomics; Macroeconomic Industrial Structure

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