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Trade imbalances and harmonization of competition policies

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  • Yano, Makoto
  • Honryo, Takakazu

Abstract

The present study constructs a game in which the two countries strategically set competition policies in their respective non-tradable service sectors. These policies affect the countries' utilities through the presence of trade imbalances. We demonstrate that in the presence of persisting trade imbalances, in a Nash equilibrium, the trade-deficit country maintains perfect competition while the trade-surplus country restricts competition. This shows it highly difficult to harmonize their policies to achieve the first best state under the current international trade regime, which is centered around the principle of reciprocity.

Suggested Citation

  • Yano, Makoto & Honryo, Takakazu, 2010. "Trade imbalances and harmonization of competition policies," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(4), pages 438-452, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:mateco:v:46:y:2010:i:4:p:438-452
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    Cited by:

    1. Chen Pu & Liu Dingming, 2015. "Trade Liberalization and Competition Levels," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 15(1), pages 25-47, January.

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