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International Trade - Theory and Policy, 2010a

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In situations where market changes cause a decrease in imports, a tariff is more protective than a quota.<br />

This occurs if domestic dem<strong>and</strong> falls, domestic supply rises, the world price rises, or some combination of<br />

these changes occurs.<br />

Since protection is often provided due to the insistence of the domestic import-competing industries—<br />

rather than a more comprehensive concern for the general welfare of the country—<strong>and</strong> since importcompeting<br />

firms are generally more concerned about situations where imports may increase, industry<br />

preferences usually favor quotas over tariffs since quotas will be more protective in these situations. Other<br />

government concerns, such as revenue needs, ease of administration, or participation in trade agreements<br />

like the GATT/WTO, which contain a preference of tariffs over quotas, have resulted in the widespread<br />

application of tariffs rather than quotas in most instances.<br />

KEY TAKEAWAYS<br />

<br />

The effects of tariffs are more transparent than quotas <strong>and</strong> hence are a preferred form of protection in the<br />

GATT/WTO agreement.<br />

<br />

A quota is more protective of the domestic import-competing industry in the face of import volume<br />

increases.<br />

<br />

A tariff is more protective in the face of import volume decreases.<br />

EXERCISES<br />

1. Draw a diagram depicting a small importing country with a nonprohibitive import tariff (T) in<br />

place. On the diagram indicate the tariff rate <strong>and</strong> the equivalent import quota (Q) that<br />

would generate the same domestic price.<br />

Next, suppose there is a decrease in domestic dem<strong>and</strong> for the good.<br />

1. Indicate on the graph the new equilibrium with the tariff in place <strong>and</strong> the quota in<br />

place.<br />

2. Indicate the new level of imports with the tariff <strong>and</strong> the quota. Which is larger?<br />

3. Indicate the new domestic price with the tariff <strong>and</strong> the quota. Which is higher?<br />

4. Which is more protective of the domestic import-competing industry in this situation, a tariff<br />

or quota? Explain why.<br />

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books<br />

Saylor.org<br />

369

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