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Examining industrial air pollution embodied in trade: implications of a hypothetical China-UK FTA

Author

Listed:
  • Yuquan W. Zhang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Yong Geng

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security)

  • Bin Zhang

    (Ministry of Ecology and Environment)

  • Shaohua Yang

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • David V. Izikowitz

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Haitao Yin

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Fei Wu

    (ETH Zürich
    Delft University of Technology)

  • Haishan Yu

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Huiwen Liu

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

  • Weiduo Zhou

    (Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences)

Abstract

Very few developed economies have a full free trade agreement (FTA) with China. This study employs one GTAP model and builds an extended environmental multi-region input–output model to investigate a hypothetical China-UK FTA, concerning embodied industrial emissions of SO2, PM2.5, NOX, and NH3. The economic sectors are also classified based on their embodied pollution intensity and trade advantage index under various FTA scenarios. Results show that the UK’s GDP and welfare and China’s welfare will increase, along with changes in their trade structures. Overall, this FTA brings about larger net impacts on embodied emissions of SO2 than on PM2.5, NOX and NH3, and both countries are net importers of the latter three pollutants. Key sectors such as non-metallic mineral products, chemical products, and agriculture are inclined to become less competitive and less polluting under the FTA. The inclusion of agri-food sectors exhibits slight counteracting effects in general. The findings are of policy importance as they provide insights into how best to target key sectors, seeking a balance between trade development and environmental protection.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuquan W. Zhang & Yong Geng & Bin Zhang & Shaohua Yang & David V. Izikowitz & Haitao Yin & Fei Wu & Haishan Yu & Huiwen Liu & Weiduo Zhou, 2023. "Examining industrial air pollution embodied in trade: implications of a hypothetical China-UK FTA," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(11), pages 13253-13279, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:25:y:2023:i:11:d:10.1007_s10668-022-02612-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02612-z
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