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Exporters and the environment

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  • J. Scott Holladay

Abstract

This paper documents a relationship between international trade and environmental performance at the plant level. Using a panel of establishment‐level data from 1990–2006, I estimate the relationship between export orientation, import competition and pollution emissions. I find a robust relationship between international trade and pollution levels. Exporters emit 9% to 13% less after controlling for output, but there is significant heterogeneity across industries. Import competition is associated with the exit of the smallest, most pollution‐intensive plants. There is no evidence that this result is caused by polluting firms relocating to countries with low levels of environmental regulation and importing back into the US. Exportateurs et environnement. Cet article documente une relation entre le commerce international et la performance environnementale au niveau de l’établissement. À l’aide d’un panel de données au niveau de l’établissement pour la période de 1990 à 2006, on calibre la relation entre l’orientation vers l’exportation, la concurrence par les importations, et les émissions polluantes. On détecte une relation entre le commerce international et les niveaux de pollution. Les exportateurs ont des émissions moindres de 9 à 13% quand on normalise pour l’output, mais il y a une hétérogénéité significative à travers les industries. La concurrence des importations est associée à l’élimination des établissements les plus petits et les plus intensifs en production de pollution. Les résultats obtenus ne montrent pas que ces résultats aient entrainé les firmes polluantes à relocaliser leur production dans des lieux où la régulation environnementale est plus faible pour ensuite la réimporter aux États‐Unis.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Scott Holladay, 2016. "Exporters and the environment," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 49(1), pages 147-172, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:canjec:v:49:y:2016:i:1:p:147-172
    DOI: 10.1111/caje.12193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics

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