Publications
Ritel, Marcos and Emanuel Ornelas (2020): The not-so-generalized effects of the Generalized System of Preferences, The World Economy, 43 (7): 1809-1840.
Abstract: We use an empirical gravity equation to study how non‐reciprocal trade preferences (NRTPs), enacted mainly through the Generalized System of Preferences, affect the exports of the beneficiary nations. In line with existing studies, the average trade effect stemming from non‐reciprocal preferences is highly unstable across specifications. However, once we allow for heterogeneous effects, results become robust and economically important. Specifically, NRTPs have a strong effect on the exports of beneficiaries when they are members of the World Trade Organization and are very poor. Not‐so‐poor beneficiaries also expand foreign sales, but only if they are not WTO members. For all others, the average export effects of NRTPs are mute.