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Effects of Bilateralism and the MFN Clause on International Trade: Evidence for the Cobden-Chevalier Network, 1860-1875

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 December 2009

Markus Lampe
Markus Lampe*
Affiliation:
Assistant Research Professor, Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, Building 26, 1353 Copenhagen K, Denmark. E-mail: ma.lampe@gmail.com.
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Abstract

This study contributes to a revised picture of nineteenth-century bilateralism. Employing a new disaggregated data set, it argues that bilateral treaties did not implement general free trade, but instead reduced tariffs unevenly through commodity-specific preferences, especially favoring manufactured goods. Gravity model estimates show that specific liberalizations increased exports of corresponding items, but not overall trade. Exporters from countries whose governments used bilateralism strategically to bring down partner tariffs benefitted most. Hence, the network in form and outcome is more properly identified with reciprocal liberalization practiced by the French than with British free-trade ideology.

Type
ARTICLES
Information
The Journal of Economic History , Volume 69 , Issue 4 , December 2009 , pp. 1012 - 1040
Copyright
Copyright © The Economic History Association 2009

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