Assessing Protectionism and Subsidies in Agriculture: A Gravity Approach

Author/Editor:

Claudio A Paiva

Publication Date:

January 1, 2005

Electronic Access:

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

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 provides the first comprehensive empirical analysis of agricultural trade using a gravity model. The data set covers bilateral trade in agricultural goods for 152 countries over the periods 1990-93 and 1999-2002. The estimations support claims that protectionism and distortive subsidies to agriculture remain widespread in more developed nations, which are shown to import less and export more agricultural products than expected given other economic, political, and geographic determinants of trade. However, some developing regions that are often thought to be the main victims of industrial-country protectionism are also found to be relatively closed to agricultural trade.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2005/021

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

January 1, 2005

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451860405/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2005021

Pages:

17

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