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Formation and Adaptation of the Sugar Cartel in Austria–Hungary

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  • Nikolaus Fink

    (WIFO)

Abstract

This paper studies the legal sugar cartel in Austria–Hungary in 1891-1914. I analyse the cartel formation prior to 1891 that was enabled by an excise tax. The cartel started with simple annual quotas and – despite breakdowns – learned to adapt to inventory demand, entry, internal coordination problems and lowered import protection. Detailed qualitative evidence on the inner workings and prices, opportunity costs and sales data on a monthly basis are discussed. The success of the cartel at subsequent stages is evaluated.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikolaus Fink, 2016. "Formation and Adaptation of the Sugar Cartel in Austria–Hungary," WIFO Working Papers 508, WIFO.
    • Handle: RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2016:i:508
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    References listed on IDEAS

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