Trade, Technology, and Prosperity: An Account of Evidence from a Labor-market Perspective

It is estimated that tariffs on insecticide-treated bed nets have reduced demand by some US$ 7 million between 2011 and 2015, equivalent to around 3.1 million bed nets. This has contributed to some 2.9 million malaria cases and over 5,000 fatalities during this period. The paper discusses various policy implications of this finding, including whether tariff concessions (e.g. for local relief organizations) are more effective than a general zero-tariff policy. It is argued that concessions give rise to a process that is bureaucratic and only partially compensatory for the cost incurred. The introduction of a new six-digit tariff line specifically for mosquito nets with HS 2017 will facilitate a zero-tariff policy on bed nets. By the same token, policy makers should address remaining non-tariff barriers that affect the importation of anti-malarial products.

No: ERSD-2017-15

Auteurs: Marc-Andreas Muendler, UC San Diego, CESifo and NBER

Date de rédaction: novembre 2017

Mots clés:

Trade, current account balance, automation, choice of technology, industrial structure and structural change, labor-market outcomes, employment, jobs, wages, inequality

Cotes JEL:

F16, F32, J23, J2, L1, O14.

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Ce document est un document de travail et concerne donc des recherches en cours. Les opinions qui y sont exprimées sont celles de ses auteurs. Elles ne sont pas censées représenter la position ou les opinions de l’OMC ou de ses Membres et sont sans préjudice des droits et obligations des Membres dans le cadre de l'Organisation. Les auteurs sont seuls responsables en cas d’erreur.

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