DOES TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS PROMOTE OR PREVENT TRADE CONFLICT? EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
研究利用中国数据检验技术进步对贸易冲突的影响,发现技术进步既可能因威胁他国收入而加剧冲突,也可能通过提供更优质廉价产品而缓解冲突。
Using the bootstrap rolling-window subsample Granger causality test from China, this study analyses the influence of technological progress (TP) on trade conflict (TC). The results show that TP can both promote and prevent TC. In 2012 and 2018, TP led to more trade conflicts between China and its trading partners. This result proves the “trade-loss effect”, suggesting that TP in one country promotes TC by threatening other countries’ income. However, TP had a negative influence on TC in 2021 and 2022. This finding is consistent with the “welfare effect”, implying that TP can prevent TC by providing more high-quality and cheaper products for worldwide consumers. This study suggests that the government should adopt appropriate trade policies when encouraging TP to promote bilateral trade. Furthermore, firms should develop their own high-quality irreplaceable products through technological innovation to address TC risk.