Uniform versus discriminatory tariffs

Hashimzade, N., Khodavaisi, H. and Myles, G. D. (2011) Uniform versus discriminatory tariffs. Review of Development Economics, 15 (3). pp. 403-416. ISSN 1467-9361 doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9361.2011.00616.x

Abstract/Summary

We analyze the non-cooperative interaction between two exporting countries producing differentiated products and one importing country when governments use optimal policies to maximize welfare. The analysis includes product differentiation, asymmetric costs, and Bertrand competition. For identical exporting countries we demonstrate that the importing country always prefers a uniform tariff regime while both exporting countries prefer a discriminatory tariff regime for any degree of product differentiation. If countries are asymmetric in terms of production cost then the higher-cost exporter always prefers the discriminatory regime but the lower-cost exporter prefers the uniform regime if there is a significant cost differential. With cost asymmetry the announcement of a uniform tariff regime by the importer is not a credible strategy since there is an incentive to deviate to discrimination. This implies an international body can play a role in ensuring that tariff agreements are respected.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/16933
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Economics
Publisher	Wiley
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