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New evidence on trade liberalization and productivity growth

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  • Ferreira, Pedro Cavalcanti
  • Rossi Junior, José Luiz

Abstract

Although the subject of a large number of studies, the debate on the links between trade reform and productivity growth is still unresolved and most studies at the micro level have not been able to establish a relationship between the two phenomena. Brazil provides a natural experiment to study this issue that is seldom available: it was one of the closest economies in the world until 1988, when trade reform was launched, and intra-industry data are available on an annual basis before, during and after liberalization. Using a panel of industry sectors this paper tests and measures the impact of trade reform on productivity growth. Results confirm the association between the former and the latter and show that the magnitude of the impact of tariff reduction on the growth rates of TFP and output per worker was substantial. Our data reveal large and widespread productivity improvement, so that the estimations in this paper are an indication that liberalization had an important effect on industrial performance in the country. Cross-sectional differences in protection are also investigated.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferreira, Pedro Cavalcanti & Rossi Junior, José Luiz, 2001. "New evidence on trade liberalization and productivity growth," FGV EPGE Economics Working Papers (Ensaios Economicos da EPGE) 433, EPGE Brazilian School of Economics and Finance - FGV EPGE (Brazil).
    • Handle: RePEc:fgv:epgewp:433
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    1. Ferreira, Pedro Cavalcanti & Trejos, Alberto, 2001. "On the long run effects of barriers to trade," FGV EPGE Economics Working Papers (Ensaios Economicos da EPGE) 436, EPGE Brazilian School of Economics and Finance - FGV EPGE (Brazil).
    2. Niclas Berggren & Henrik Jordahl, 2005. "Does free trade really reduce growth? Further testing using the economic freedom index," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 122(1), pages 99-114, January.
    3. Herrendorf, Berthold & Teixeira, Arilton, 2002. "How Trade Policy Affects Technology Adoption and Productivity," CEPR Discussion Papers 3486, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Jose E. Galdon Sanchez & James A. Schmitz, 2003. "Competitive pressure and labor productivity: world iron ore markets in the 1980s," Quarterly Review, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, vol. 27(Spr), pages 9-23.

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