Trade Integration, Industry Reallocation, and Welfare in Colombia

We study empirically and theoretically the dynamic effects of the unilateral reduction in import tariffs undertaken by Colombia from 1989 to 1993, with a particular emphasis on the transition and including any anticipation effects. We develop an asymmetric two-country, multi-sector heterogeneous firm model with a dynamic exporting decision, input-output linkages, capital accumulation, and trade in financial assets. The model is calibrated to match Colombian exporter dynamics, sectoral trade openness, tariffs, imbalances, and input-output linkages in the late 1980s. We introduce an anticipated phased out reform into the model and relate the predicted path of sectoral and aggregate activity to the data. Our multi-sector dynamic exporting model predicts much larger gains from these reforms than models that abstract from exporter dynamics, sectoral heterogeneity, trade in financial assets, or capital accumulation. It also captures the key macroeconomic features in terms of a temporary expansion in growth featuring a large, but short-lived investment boom financed by international borrowing, more so when the reforms are expected to be short-lived.

Automated summary

We empirically and theoretically study the dynamic effects of Colombia's unilateral reduction in import tariffs from 1989 to 1993, with a focus on the transition period and anticipation effects. Using a two-country, multi-sector heterogeneous firm model, we consider dynamic exporting decisions, input-output linkages, capital accumulation, and trade in financial assets. Our model, calibrated to match Colombian exporter dynamics and trade openness, predicts larger gains from the reforms compared to models that ignore exporter dynamics, sectoral heterogeneity, financial asset trade, or capital accumulation. It also captures key macroeconomic features of a temporary growth expansion and investment boom financed by international borrowing.