Internal Quota Allocation Schemes and the Costs of the Mfa

61 Pages Posted: 10 Oct 2007 Last revised: 1 Dec 2022

See all articles by Irene Trela

Irene Trela

University of Western Ontario - Department of Economics

John Whalley

University of Western Ontario - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute); Centre for International Governance and Innovation (CIGI)

Date Written: February 1991

Abstract

This paper suggests that schemes used within developing countries to allocate textile export quota among domestic producers typically have more severe negative effects on developing country economic performance than the MFA export quotas themselves. We summarize allocation schemes in 17 countries, highlighting common 'lock-in' and 'rent dissipation' effects of such schemes. We then use a global general equilibrium model to evaluate the effects of MFA removal with and without these additional effects. Results indicate that estimates of gains to developing countries from an MFA removal are larger and by significant orders of magnitude (we suggest a factor of 8) when internal quota allocation schemes are also included. Removing the negative effects of quota allocation schemes thus seems to clearly dominate traditional access benefits to developing countries from MFA removal.

Suggested Citation

Trela, Irene and Whalley, John, Internal Quota Allocation Schemes and the Costs of the Mfa (February 1991). NBER Working Paper No. w3627, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=471562

Irene Trela (Contact Author)

University of Western Ontario - Department of Economics ( email )

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John Whalley

University of Western Ontario - Department of Economics ( email )

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