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Informality and Aggregate Productivity: The Case of Mexico

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  • Mr. Jorge A Alvarez
  • Cian Ruane

Abstract

We assess the aggregate productivity impact of distortions arising from labor regulations in Mexico and how they interact with informality. Using employment surveys and a firm-level economic census, we document a number of novel features about informal firms in Mexico. We then construct and estimate a model of heterogeneous firms and endogenous informality to study the micro and macro impacts from various policy reforms. Some reforms may have large impacts on informal employment but small impacts on aggregate productivity.

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Jorge A Alvarez & Cian Ruane, 2019. "Informality and Aggregate Productivity: The Case of Mexico," IMF Working Papers 2019/257, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2019/257
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    1. Ulyssea, Gabriel & Ponczek, Vladimir, 2018. "Enforcement of Labor Regulation and the Labor Market Effects of Trade: Evidence from Brazil," IZA Discussion Papers 11783, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
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    5. Bruhn, Miriam, 2013. "A tale of two species: Revisiting the effect of registration reform on informal business owners in Mexico," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 275-283.
    6. Rocha, Rudi & Ulyssea, Gabriel & Rachter, Laísa, 2018. "Do lower taxes reduce informality? Evidence from Brazil," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 134(C), pages 28-49.
    7. Gabriel Ulyssea, 2018. "Firms, Informality, and Development: Theory and Evidence from Brazil," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 108(8), pages 2015-2047, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lauren Hoehn-Velasco & Adan Silverio-Murillo & Jose Roberto Balmori de la Miyar & Jacob Penglase, 2022. "The impact of the COVID-19 recession on Mexican households: evidence from employment and time use for men, women, and children," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 20(3), pages 763-797, September.
    2. Fernando Barrios Aguirre & Sandra Yaneth Mora Malagón & Luis Carlos Castillo Téllez, 2023. "Innovation and Informality: An Analysis With the Colombian Manufacturing Industry 2007 to 2016," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(1), pages 21582440231, February.
    3. Alvarez, Bruna & Pessoa, João Paulo & Souza, André Portela, 2022. "Firm size distribution and informality effects of a revenue-dependent tax policy," Textos para discussão 561, FGV EESP - Escola de Economia de São Paulo, Fundação Getulio Vargas (Brazil).

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