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Time as a Trade Barrier
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Time as a Trade Barrier

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Listed:
  • David L. Hummels
  • Georg Schaur

Abstract

A large and growing share of world trade travels by air. We model exporters' choice between fast, expensive air cargo and slow, cheap ocean cargo, which depends on the price elasticity of demand and the value that consumers attach to fast delivery. We use US imports data that provide rich variation in the premium paid for air shipping and in time lags for ocean transit to extract consumers' valuation of time. We estimate that each day in transit is equivalent to an advalorem tariff of 0.6 to 2.1 percent. The most time-sensitive trade flows involve parts and components trade.

Suggested Citation

  • David L. Hummels & Georg Schaur, 2013. "Time as a Trade Barrier," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(7), pages 2935-2959, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:103:y:2013:i:7:p:2935-59
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.103.7.2935
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L93 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Air Transportation

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