Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5084316 International Review of Economics & Finance 2007 20 Pages PDF
Abstract
The most favored nation (MFN) clause is widely understood to be the central pillar of the global multilateral trading system. Does the MFN principle of non-discrimination facilitate multilateral cooperation? Using a repeated game approach, we address this question in an oligopolistic three country model of intraindustry trade where production costs differ across countries. The analysis delivers two main results. First, both under MFN and tariff discrimination the incentive constraint of the high cost country determines whether or not free trade is sustainable. Second, the high cost country is more willing to cooperate multilaterally under MFN relative to tariff discrimination.
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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