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The impact of CO 2 emissions trading on firm profits and market prices

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Listed:
  • Robin Smale
  • Murray Hartley
  • Cameron Hepburn
  • John Ward
  • Michael Grubb

Abstract

The introduction of mandatory controls and a trading scheme covering approximately half of all carbon dioxide emissions across Europe has triggered a debate about the impact of emissions trading on the competitiveness of European industry. Economic theory suggests that, in many sectors, businesses will pass on costs to customers and make net profits due to the impact on product prices combined with the extensive free allocations of allowances. This study applies the Cournot representation of an oligopoly market to five energy-intensive sectors: cement, newsprint, steel, aluminium and petroleum. By populating the model with empirical data, the results are shown for three future emissions price scenarios. The results encompass the extent of cost pass-through to customers, changes in output, changes in UK market share, and changes in firm profits. The results suggest that most participating sectors would be expected to profit in general, although with a modest loss of market share in the case of steel and cement, and closure in the case of aluminium.

Suggested Citation

  • Robin Smale & Murray Hartley & Cameron Hepburn & John Ward & Michael Grubb, 2006. "The impact of CO 2 emissions trading on firm profits and market prices," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 31-48, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tcpoxx:v:6:y:2006:i:1:p:31-48
    DOI: 10.1080/14693062.2006.9685587
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. A. Lans Bovenberg & Lawrence H. Goulder, 2001. "Neutralizing the Adverse Industry Impacts of CO2 Abatement Policies: What Does It Cost?," NBER Chapters, in: Behavioral and Distributional Effects of Environmental Policy, pages 45-90, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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