scholarly journals Trade Policies, Firm Heterogeneity, and Variable Markups

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svetlana A. Demidova
Keyword(s):  
Firm Heterogeneity ◽  
Trade Policies ◽  
Variable Markups

scholarly journals Quantifying the Sources of Firm Heterogeneity *

2016 ◽  
Vol 131 (3) ◽  
pp. 1291-1364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin J. Hottman ◽  
Stephen J. Redding ◽  
David E. Weinstein
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Firm Size ◽  
Monopolistic Competition ◽  
Firm Heterogeneity ◽  
Demand System ◽  
Multiproduct Firms ◽  
Firm Size Distribution ◽  
Variable Markups ◽  
Product Scope ◽  
Relative Productivity

Abstract We develop and structurally estimate a model of heterogeneous multiproduct firms that can be used to decompose the firm-size distribution into the contributions of costs, “appeal” (quality or taste), markups, and product scope. Using Nielsen barcode data on prices and sales, we find that variation in firm appeal and product scope explains at least four fifths of the variation in firm sales. We show that the imperfect substitutability of products within firms, and the fact that larger firms supply more products than smaller firms, implies that standard productivity measures are highly dependent on implicit demand system assumptions and probably dramatically understate the relative productivity of the largest firms. Although most firms are well approximated by the monopolistic competition benchmark of constant markups, we find that the largest firms that account for most of aggregate sales depart substantially from this benchmark, and exhibit both variable markups and substantial cannibalization effects.

The End of Multi-Fibre Arrangement and Firm Performance in the Textile Industry: New Evidence

2013 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zara Liaqat
Keyword(s):  
Textile Industry ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Firm Heterogeneity ◽  
Production Functions ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Quality Ladders ◽  
Sectoral Differences ◽  
The Mean ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Empirical Methodology

Using a sample of 321 textile and clothing companies for the years 1992 to 2010, this paper analyses the effect of quota phase-outs on firm-level efficiency in Pakistan following the end of the Multi-Fibre Arrangement (MFA). It highlights sectoral heterogeneity within the manufacturing industry as a result of MFA expiration. The empirical methodology uses the structural techniques proposed by Olley and Pakes (1996), and Levinsohn and Petrin (2003) in order to take care of endogeneity in the estimation of production functions. The results differ for the two industries: MFA expiration lead to an increase in the average productivity of textile producing firms but a significant reduction in the mean productivity of clothing producers. We offer a number of explanations for this outcome, such as a change in the input and product mix, entry by non-exporters in the clothing sector, and sectoral differences in quality ladders. A number of crucial policy lessons can be drawn from the findings of this study. JEL Classification:F13; F14; D24; C14; O19 Keywords: Multi-Fibre Arrangement, Trade Liberalisation, Productivity, Firm Heterogeneity, Simultaneity and Production Functions, Endogeneity of Protection

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