Domestic trade protection in vertically-related markets

We consider trade policy in a setting where home country firms are fully dependent on vertically-integrated foreign firms for supplies of a key input. We find that vertically-integrated firms' strategic considerations play an important role and that, in particular, a tariff on final goods may either increase or decrease the domestic price of final goods. The import of final goods is always taxed to extract and shift rents from foreign firms, while the import of intermediate goods can be either taxed or subsidized. The market structure is shown to be an important consideration when making trade policy.

Research Highlights► We study domestic trade policy in vertically-related market. ► A tariff on final goods may increase or decrease the domestic price of final goods. ► The import of final goods is always taxed. ► The import of intermediate goods may be taxed or subsidized.