Protection and Export Performance in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author/Editor:

Dean A. DeRosa

Publication Date:

September 1, 1990

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper examines the extent and structure of nominal protection in a large sample of Sub-Saharan countries, and provides estimates of the effects of this protection on the exports of these countries. Both tariff rates and the frequency of nontariff barriers are found to be appreciably higher on average in the Sub-Saharan countries than in other developing countries. The empirical estimates, based on simulations of a simple model of trade and real exchange rate adjustment, suggest that protection reduces the value of the sample countries’ exports (relative to baseline levels) by between 15 and 33 percent per annum, and inhibits export diversification.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1990/083

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 1990

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451954470/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0831990

Pages:

48

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