The Structure of Tariffs and Long-Term Growth
研究发现一国关税结构的技能偏向性与长期人均GDP增长正相关，其中约四分之一来自技能密集型产业的真实收益，其余由国内寻租活动的内生性解释。
We show that the “skill bias” of a country's tariff structure is positively correlated with long-term per capita GDP growth. Testing for causal mechanisms, we find evidence consistent with the existence of real benefits from tariffs focused in skill-intensive industries. However, this only accounts for a quarter of the total correlation between skill-biased tariffs and growth. Turning to alternative explanations, we extend the standard Grossman-Helpman “protection-for-sale” model and show how the skill bias of tariffs can reflect the extent of domestic rent-seeking activities in the economy. We provide evidence that the remaining variation is explained by this endogeneity.