LeChatelier Principle and the Effects of Trade Policy under Induced Innovation

Jean-Paul Chavas

Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/tel.[phone]                

Abstract

This paper explores the effects of trade policy under induced innovation in general equilibrium. The analysis considers the effects of discrete changes in tariffs and import quotas, allowing for heterogeneous technologies among firms. The interactions between induced innovation and the effects of trade policy give a set of “LeChatelier effects” comparing short run versus long run market equilibrium. We investigate how induced innovation can reduce the adverse effects of tariffs on trade, and influence the effects of quotas on corresponding quota rents. The analysis presents new LeChatelier results that apply globally, i.e. under any discrete change in trade policy.

Keywords

Trade Policy; Tariffs, Quotas; Induced Innovation; LeChatelier

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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