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The Impact of Foreign Trade on the Employment of Unskilled U.S. Workers: Some New Evidence

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  • Frederic L. Pryor

Abstract

This paper explores four empirical relationships reflecting the impact of foreign trade on the employment of unskilled workers: (i) the direct relationship between net exports and embodied education of the corresponding goods; (ii) the changes in domestic prices accompanying changes in net exports; (iii) the relationship between real or potential import competition and defensive measures such as more investment or increasing the skill level of the labor force; and (iv) the relationship between foreign trade and domestic prices. None of these exercises suggests that foreign trade has much impact on the employment of less skilled U.S. workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Frederic L. Pryor, 1999. "The Impact of Foreign Trade on the Employment of Unskilled U.S. Workers: Some New Evidence," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 65(3), pages 472-492, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:65:y:1999:i:3:p:472-492
    DOI: 10.1002/j.2325-8012.1999.tb00171.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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