Import processing and trade costs

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Carballo, Jeronimo; Graziano, Alejandro G.; Schaur, Georg; Martincus, Christian Volpe
• 署名单位: University of Colorado System; University of Colorado Boulder; University of Nottingham; Leibniz Association; Ifo Institut; University of Tennessee System; University of Tennessee Knoxville; Inter-American Development Bank
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0022-1996
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2025.104060
• 发表日期: 2025
• 关键词: Trade costs; Border processing; Trade policy

摘要

We estimate import processing costs based on the time it takes to import. To do so, we first develop a theoretical model that extends existing time-cost measures to account for uncertainty in import processing. Second, we use detailed, highly disaggregated data on import processing dates and import values to provide estimates of processing costs that are consistent with the theory. This evidence indicates that our extensions to time-cost estimates are economically relevant to determining processing costs. According to our estimates, the tariff equivalent import processing cost is as high as 18 percent. WTO estimates suggest that the full implementation of the 2013 Trade Facilitation Agreement would reduce the time to trade by 1.5 days. In that case, processing costs would decrease to 13 percent.