Seminar in International Economics: The heterogeneous trade effects of environmental measures

The Competence Centre for International Economics Research (FIW) kindly invites to participate in the Seminar in International Economics on the topic

The heterogeneous trade effects of environmental measures

Fabio Santeramo
University of Foggia & European University Institute

Abstract:
Technical regulations are numerous and growing, but less transparent than price measures. They are frequently used in support of the environmental protection, because of challenges posed by climate change, but little is known about the trade-effects of environmental measures. Relying on a unique and original dataset of technical measures notified for environmental reasons, we investigate their effects on trade patterns. We show that environmental measures naturally hinder bilateral trade flows, but tend to favour flows originating in trading partners with a strong economic and political influence, such as high income countries or members of the Group of 20 more industrialised countries, who tend to dominate the notification processes. This suggests that, while the objective of these measures is to improve environmental outcomes, they shape trade in favour of wealth and industrialised partners who have better financial and technical means to comply with requirements of technical measures.

This presentation is based on a paper co-authored with Emilia Lamonaca and Charlotte Emlinger.

The presentation if available, will be posted after the event.

Fabio Santeramo is Associate Professor in Economics at the University of Foggia and MSCA Research Fellow at the European University Institute. Santeramo coordinates projects on the links between the Agri-food Sector, Trade and Environment. He is coordinating the MedECC Special Report on Climate-Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems nexus. Currently serving in the Advisory Board of Food Policy, the leading journal in Agricultural Economics, Santeramo is Chair of the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium. His works focus on agricultural markets, trade, and policies, and have been published in top-field journals such as Journal of Agricultural Economics, European Review of Agricultural Economics, Energy Policy, Health Policy.

The seminar series is organised by the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) in co-operation with FIW. The seminar provides a forum for presentation and discussion of recent academic research in the field of international economics.