The paper proposes a new method, which allows us to estimate trade costs and markups separately using only price data. The method explores the idea that the markups along the distribution chain of a good are shaped by the same final demand, and, therefore, respond similarly to a reduction in the price of a good at the initial point of the chain.

Recent studies have highlighted the role of human capital and good economic institutions in establishing comparative advantage in trade in complex institutions-intensive goods. We show that the effect of institutions on comparative advantage in services trade is quite different.

This paper looks at the effects of the trade war that followed 2014 events in Ukraine on Eurasian Customs Union (EACU).

We examine if a trade policy tool designed for fostering development is used strategically. We study this question using GSP country eligibility reviews regarding worker rights violations.

Under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), rich countries grant unilateral trade preferences to developing countries. We study the EU’s withdrawal of GSP preferences from Belarus in 2007 to understand how the GSP a ects export patterns. The withdrawal caused a signi cant drop in trade for a ected products (26%-29% trade decline) and some trade reduction at the extensive margin. However, there is little evidence of a GSP e ect on total trade. This is due to the fact that the main exports of Belarus were not eligible for the GSP program.

The Panel Report in Ukraine - Passenger Cars provides an opportunity to revisit an old debate over the role of safeguard measures in the WTO. With regard to the legal findings, the panel followed the established jurisprudence in this area, and found a number of violations of the Safeguards Agreement. With regard to the economics, we delve more deeply into the economic and political background of the safeguards investigation. Ukraine was hit by the economic crisis shortly after its WTO accession that significantly liberalized import tariffs on passenger cars. Next, we offer a de novo look at the injury and causation issues in this case, and discuss the challenges of an industry reliant on offshored production that sees a safeguard as a mechanism to attract FDI for production. We conclude with an assessment of the operation of the WTO’s safeguards regime, along with some tentative suggestions for reform. Overall, our examination of the economic analysis by the investigating authority and the legal review by the WTO panel raises questions about particular aspects of the domestic and WTO processes, but concludes that the system worked well in this case.