US-Africa trade policy will tread a beaten path

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Trade Policy ◽  
Great Power ◽  
Priority List ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relative Neglect

Significance The trip comes as Washington seeks to reset US-African policy after four years of relative neglect. However, despite some stark differences in style with his predecessor, President Joe Biden looks likely to deliver much continuity in US engagement with the continent. Impacts Although US rhetoric has de-emphasised ‘great power’ competition, its initiatives will still aim to reduce Chinese influence in Africa. The Build Back Better World initiative will likely produce some large projects in Africa, but China will remain the go-to partner for most. Vaccine diplomacy may increase following the advent of the Omicron variant, and amid pressure from rising Chinese vaccine deliveries. Despite the new tone, Africa will remain low on Washington’s priority list.

scholarly journals Achieve a low carbon supply chain through product mix

2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (10) ◽  
pp. 2468-2484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Chen ◽  
Xiaojun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Channel Structure ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Cap And Trade ◽  
Product Mix ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Carbon Supply ◽  
Trade Offs

Purpose In the era of climate change, industrial organizations are under increasing pressure from consumers and regulators to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of product mix as a strategy to deliver the low carbon supply chain under the cap-and-trade policy. Design/methodology/approach The authors incorporate the cap-and-trade policy into the green product mix decision models by using game-theoretic approach and compare these decisions in a decentralized model and a centralized model, respectively. The research explores potential behavioral changes under the cap-and-trade in the context of a two-echelon supply chain. Findings The analysis results show that the channel structure has significant impact on both economic and environmental performances. An integrated supply chain generates more profits. In contrast, a decentralized supply chain has lower carbon emissions. The cap-and-trade policy makes a different impact on the economic and environmental performances of the supply chain. Balancing the trade-offs is critical to ensure the long-term sustainability. Originality/value The research offers many interesting observations with respect to the effect of product mix strategy on operational decisions and the trade-offs between costs and carbon emissions under the cap-and-trade policy. The insights derived from the analysis not only help firms to make important operational and strategic decisions to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining their economic competitiveness, but also make meaningful contribution to governments’ policy making for carbon emissions control.

Multiple criteria sorting of tourist sites for perceived COVID-19 exposure: the use of VIKORSORT

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanndon Ocampo ◽  
Kafferine Yamagishi
Keyword(s):  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Multiple Criteria ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
High Exposure ◽  
Priority List ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domestic Tourism ◽  
Multiple Criteria Sorting

PurposeTravel interests of tourists during pandemics and outbreaks are reduced due to the prevalence of fear. It induces lifestyle changes, which may hinder efforts to recover the tourism value chain during post-COVID-19 lockdowns. Subscribing to domestic travel and domestic tourism is deemed to mitigate fear and gradually reopen the tourism industry. Although a crucial initiative, evaluating the perceived degree of exposure of tourists to COVID-19 in tourist sites operating under domestic tourism has not been fully explored in the emerging literature, which forms the main departure of this work.Design/methodology/approachThe problem domain is addressed by adopting multiple criteria sorting method – the VIKORSORT. To demonstrate such application, with 221 survey participants, 35 tourist sites in a province in the central Philippines struggling to revive the tourism industry are evaluated under six attributes that characterize tourists' exposure to COVID-19. To assess its efficacy, the performance of the VIKORSORT is compared to other distance-based multiple criteria sorting methods (i.e. TOPSIS-Sort and CODAS-SORT).FindingsResults show that proximity and volume of tourist arrivals are considered on top of the priority list of attributes. The use of VIKORSORT yields the assignment of 27 sites to the “moderate exposure” class, and eight under the “high exposure” class, with no tourist site assigned to the “low exposure” class. Sorting the tourist sites reveals some observations that tourists prefer sites (1) with open spaces, (2) with activities having limited group dynamics, (3) that are nature-based, and (4) with tourist arrivals that are not relatively high, with enough land area to practice social distancing. In addition, the assignments of the VIKORSORT with TOPSIS-Sort and CODAS-SORT are consistent at least 90% of the time, demonstrating its efficacy in addressing multiple criteria sorting problems.Originality/valueThis work provides an integrative approach in evaluating tourist sites in view of tourism recovery during pandemics. The findings offer crucial insights for the primary stakeholders (i.e. government, tourist operators, and tourists) in planning, resource allocation decisions, and policy formulation. Policy insights are offered, as well as avenues for future works.

Vehicle routing analyses with integrated order picking and delivery problem under carbon cap and trade policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Jharkharia ◽  
Chiranjit Das
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Vehicle Routing ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Order Picking ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Vehicle Speed ◽  
Cap And Trade ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Total Cost

Purpose The purpose of this study is to model a vehicle routing problem with integrated picking and delivery under carbon cap and trade policy. This study also provides sensitivity analyses of carbon cap and price to the total cost. Design/methodology/approach A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to model the vehicle routing with integrated order picking and delivery constraints. The model is then solved by using the CPLEX solver. Carbon footprint is estimated by a fuel consumption function that is dependent on two factors, distance and vehicle speed. The model is analyzed by considering 10 suppliers and 20 customers. The distance and vehicle speed data are generated using simulation with random numbers. Findings Significant amount of carbon footprint can be reduced through the adoption of eco-efficient vehicle routing with a marginal increase in total transportation cost. Sensitivity analysis indicates that compared to carbon cap, carbon price has more influence on the total cost. Research limitations/implications The model considers mid-sized problem instances. To analyze large size problems, heuristics and meta-heuristics may be used. Practical implications This study provides an analysis of carbon cap and price model that would assist practitioners and policymakers in formulating their policy in the context of carbon emissions. Originality/value This study provides two significant contributions to low carbon supply chain management. First, it provides a vehicle routing model under carbon cap and trade policy. Second, it provides a sensitivity analysis of carbon cap and price in the model.

Estimation of Armington elasticities for trade-policy analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-35
Author(s):  
Kai Liu ◽  
Masato Yamazaki ◽  
Atsushi Koike
Keyword(s):  
Panel Data ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Policy Study ◽  
Policy Studies ◽  
Individual Country ◽  
Content Type ◽  
World Average ◽  
The World ◽  
Country Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the Armington elasticities for world average values and country-specific values and obtain evidence for whether the world average elasticities and the “rule of two”, which have been applied in many papers, are accurate for cereals in trade policy studies related to an individual country. Design/methodology/approach The authors use panel data with a nested model to estimate and compare Armington elasticities based on world average values and country-specific values from 10 countries and regions. Findings The results suggest that cereals’ elasticities vary between world average values and country-specific values, and the “rule of two” is not strictly applicable. In fact, the “less than two” concept fits well in many cases. Originality/value This study sheds light on the effects of country heterogeneity on the elasticities and the accuracy of using world average elasticities in a trade policy study for an individual country. In addition, this paper offers estimated values of country-specific elasticities for 10 countries and regions.

Modelling welfare effects under Pakistan–China free trade agreement

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lubna Uzair ◽  
Ahmad Nawaz
Keyword(s):  
Trade Policy ◽  
Free Trade ◽  
Free Trade Agreement ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Trade Creation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper aims to empirically examine the trade creation and diversion impacts on merchandise imports of Pakistan under the Pakistan–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The analysis of Pakistan’s preferential treatment with its largest trade partner as well as the most substantial exporter of the world will help to shape trade policy, open windows for academic research and also gives an immense contribution in literature.Design/methodology/approachA disaggregated panel data on the imports of Pakistan from China and other WTO member countries and tariff concessions at Harmonized System (HS) two-digit level used for the agreement period of 2006-2012. The empirical analysis takes care of bias through robust and panel-corrected standard errors with time, industry-specific effects and controlling for multilateral trade resistance.FindingsEvidence found in support of trade creation under the Pakistan–China FTA. It means overall this agreement increased the welfare of Pakistani consumers.Practical implicationsFindings are in favour of negotiations and signing for the next round of this agreement and with other major trade partners like the US and Saudi Arabia.Originality/valueIt is worth investigating empirically the impact of preferential trade liberalization between Pakistan – a developing country – and China – the largest importer of the world – explicitly, in the form of trade creation or diversion. The empirical assessment of this FTA signed with the world’s largest exporter will not only contribute immensely to the literature but also help in trade policy formulation and open windows for academic research. Another unique aspect of this study is the use of disaggregated data consisting of all goods imports along with tariff concessions at two-digit Harmonized System (HS) code.

Trade openness and structural vulnerability in developing countries

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sena Kimm Gnangnon
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Trade Openness ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Structural Vulnerability ◽  
Least Developed Countries ◽  
Structural Determinants ◽  
Entire Sample ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how trade openness affects the structural vulnerability of developing countries. The analysis is conducted on both the entire sample of 105 countries as well as two sub-samples, namely least developed countries (LDCs) and non-LDCs. Design/methodology/approach – To perform the analysis, the author employs fixed-effects (within) regressions supplemented by instrumental variables technique based on the two-step generalized methods of moments approach. Findings – The author finds empirical evidence that although trade policy liberalization reduces the structural vulnerability on the entire sample developing countries, no statistically significant effect of such liberalization is obtained either on LDCs or non-LDCs. However, trade policy liberalization appears to reduce countries’ exposure to shocks, result that applies to the entire sample as well as the two sub-samples. The author also observes that trade policy liberalization exerts no (statistically) significant effect on the size of shocks that affect developing countries, result that applies to both the full sample and the sub-samples of LDCs and non-LDCs. Research limitations/implications – In the absence of a well-established theoretical framework on how trade openness affects the structural vulnerability of developing, the author adopts a pragmatic approach by drawing upon many insights of Loayza and Raddatz (2007) who study the structural determinants of external vulnerability. Practical implications – Developing countries in general and LDCs in particular could address their structural weaknesses by making optimal use of their trade policies. In particular, they could better use the flexibilities available to them in provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO)’ Agreements. In this respect, the international community, notably donors of the developed world has a key role to play. Originality/value – This is the first study exploring how trade openness, capturing here through trade policy liberalization affects the structural vulnerability of developing countries.

US-North Korea summit would have modest outcome

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Korean Peninsula ◽  
North Korea ◽  
Nuclear Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Defence Strategy ◽  
Not At Risk ◽  
Opening Up

Significance The message was conveyed by a South Korean delegation in Washington, briefing Trump on its talks earlier this week in Pyongyang. North Korea had said, the delegation reported, that it is “committed to denuclearisation” if regime security is not at risk. This follows months of escalating friction between North Korea and the international community that has seen Pyongyang ramp up its intercontinental missile and nuclear testing. Impacts The risk of confrontation on the Korean Peninsula could be reduced while talks are being prepared. Trump may relax his hawkish trade policy in the interim, to avoid alienating partners he needs in managing Pyongyang, including Beijing. A successful Trump-Kim meeting could gain South Korea’s president political benefits. If significant moves towards denuclearisation did occur, Trump’s administration might revise its pro-nuclear defence strategy. Any sanctions relief could be politically beneficial to the Pyongyang regime, but too much opening up could undermine it.

Brazil's export prowess hides lingering weaknesses

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Trade Policy ◽  
Trade Balance ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Liberal Economy ◽  
The Face ◽  
Foreign Ministry

Subject Obstacles facing Brazilian exporters. Significance On the face of it, exports represent one of the few sectors of the Brazilian economy that are performing well. By mid-December, the country had accumulated revenues of 230 billion dollars from goods exports and a surplus of 54 billion dollars for 2018, ensuring the fourth consecutive year with a positive trade balance. However, beneath the surface, Brazilian exports are less healthy than they look: they are highly focused on low-value-added commodities, with poor technological content and extremely dependent on a relatively small number of large companies. Impacts Trade policy may be a bone of contention between a protectionist foreign ministry and a liberal economy ministry under the new government. Services exports have scope to grow, albeit from a low base. A limited pool of digital talent may limit the potential of exports from different industries.

Incoherent US trade plans may get nastier not clearer

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Trade Policy ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
North Korea ◽  
Election Campaign ◽  
International Financial Institutions ◽  
Donald Trump ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Trade Policy ◽  
Trade Sanctions ◽  
Trade Deals

Subject US trade policy. Significance During his election campaign, Donald Trump slammed decades of US policy and pledged to secure better trade deals, putting 'America First'. Upon taking office, Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but six months on, his trade agenda remains disjointed. Impacts Trump could use executive powers in a more sweeping fashion if he cannot deliver trade changes via legislation. Washington will expand secondary trade sanctions on firms and people that deal with North Korea, most of which are Chinese. Securing 'big-ticket' export deals will be a means for Trump to deliver manufacturing jobs to his political heartland. US opposition to funding and reforms of international financial institutions could reduce the momentum behind global cooperation.

Prospects for emerging economies to end-2019

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Monetary Policy ◽  
Fiscal Policy ◽  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Trade Policy ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
World Trade ◽  
Gdp Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Us Trade Policy ◽  
Policy Shift

Subject Prospects for emerging economies to end-2019. Significance US trade policy is hardening and while the direction remains uncertain, a sustained softening seems unlikely. Monetary policy is shifting towards easing in many emerging markets (EMs) and some are expanding fiscal policy. However, the policy shift will not compensate for weaker world trade and EM GDP growth is expected to slow from 4.5% last year, already a three-year low, to closer to the 4.3% seen in 2015 or even weaker.

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