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Who supports free trade in developing countries and why: comparative advantage vs the skill premium

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  • Hazama, Yasushi

Abstract

Previous studies on free trade preferences in developing countries have shown mixed results thus supporting either model in international trade theory: free trade is favored by unskilled labor (the comparative-advantage model) or skilled labor (the skill-premium model). We apply the synthetic model by Burstein and Vogel while addressing two major issues overlooked in previous research. We distinguish (1) between education levels and occupational categories and (2) between preferences and reasons. Using a survey in Turkey we show that individuals who work in an unskilled occupation but who are better educated tend to favor free trade because of exports.

Suggested Citation

  • Hazama, Yasushi, 2022. "Who supports free trade in developing countries and why: comparative advantage vs the skill premium," IDE Discussion Papers 855, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
    • Handle: RePEc:jet:dpaper:dpaper855
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public opinion; Free trade; Comparative advantage; Skill premium; Turkey; Developing countries;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F16 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Labor Market Interactions
    • F66 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Labor

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