International Trade and Corporate Market Power

Author/Editor:

Jesus R Gonzalez-Garcia ; Yuanchen Yang

Publication Date:

July 17, 2020

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

This paper examines the effect of international trade on corporate market power in emerging market economies and developing countries, with a special focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis is based on a large firm-level dataset, tariff data by sector and agreggate indicators of international trade for the period 2000-17. Greater trade liberalization and trade integration are associated with significant declines in market power, with the effect being more pronounced for firms in the manufacturing and ICT sectors, private sector firms, and firms with higher initial markups. Firms in sub-Saharan Africa tend to experience signficantly lower markups after allowing greater trade integration. The effects of trade liberalization on market power materializes over time, and there are significant complementarities between trade reforms and real sector reforms.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2020/131

Subject:

Frequency:

regular

English

Publication Date:

July 17, 2020

ISBN/ISSN:

9781513550473/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2020131

Pages:

33

Please address any questions about this title to publications@imf.org