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On the distributional effects of trade policy: Dynamics of household saving and asset prices

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  • San Vicente Portes, Luis

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of trade liberalization on inequality. We develop a theoretical framework that generates economy-wide distributions of wealth and income for different levels of trade protection. The model unambiguously determines the effect of liberalization on inequality; and rationalizes why larger inequality can be the outcome of a welfare enhancing policy, as households reduce their buffer savings when liberalization lowers the price of food. The framework reconciles the increase in inequality, the fall in the value of land, and farmers' opposition to freer trade, that have featured in different liberalization episodes. We also present empirical support for the model's predictions.

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  • San Vicente Portes, Luis, 2009. "On the distributional effects of trade policy: Dynamics of household saving and asset prices," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 49(3), pages 944-970, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:quaeco:v:49:y:2009:i:3:p:944-970
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    2. Takashi Kamihigashi & John Stachurski, 2011. "Existence, Stability and Computation of Stationary Distributions: An Extension of the Hopenhayn-Prescott Theorem," Discussion Paper Series DP2011-32, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.
    3. Jenny Ligthart & Gerard C. van der Meijden, 2010. "Coordinated Tax-Tariff Reforms, Informality, and Welfare Distribution," CESifo Working Paper Series 3107, CESifo.
    4. Dayal Talukder & Love Chile, 2018. "Technological Innovation And Total Factor Productivity Growth Of Rice Production In Bangladesh In The Post-Liberalisation Era," Global Economic Observer, "Nicolae Titulescu" University of Bucharest, Faculty of Economic Sciences;Institute for World Economy of the Romanian Academy, vol. 6(2), pages 50-70, December.
    5. Hans Christian Kongsted, 2012. "Trade policy dynamics, entry costs, and exchange rate uncertainty," The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 21(2), pages 197-216, December.

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