SAM and AGEM of Mexico and Taxes on Hydrocarbons Extraction

In this article we build a SAM for Mexico (2008) and design an Applied General Equilibrium Model, both of which can be applied to other research. We use them to analyze taxes on hydrocarbons extraction, given their importance for public budget and recent energy reforms. An increase in Households Income Taxes is simulated while those taxes decrease: results show that the former would have to triple to compensate for the later, and that the first four deciles would benefit with a positive equivalent variation (given progressive Income tax), but deciles V to X would suffer a severe loss that outweighs by far the gain in low income deciles.

Linking Numerical and Analytical Models of Carbon Leakage

I use an applied general equilibrium model to quantify the influence of a new, theoretical channel for carbon leakage effects, as identified by Fullerton, Karney and Baylis (2012). I first produce parameterizations of the model that generate a close correspondence with the theory, isolating the quantitative effect of this channel. I then produce parameterizations that allow for an examination of net leakage rates in a model with a more comprehensive set of leakage channels. I find that the new channel exerts a negative influence on net leakage rates but that positive forces of leakage dominate in the comprehensive assessment.

Would an Increase in High-Skilled Immigration in Canada Benefit Workers?

This study examines the economic and welfare effects of raising the number of high-skilled immigrants in Canada. It uses a life-cycle applied general equilibrium model with endogenous time allocation decisions between work, education, and leisure. According to the simulation results, raising the number of high-skilled immigrants would boost productive capacity and labour productivity but could lower real GDP per capita. In addition, by raising the supply of high-skilled workers, more high-skilled immigrants would reduce the skill premium and the return to human capital. This in turn would lower incentives for young adults to invest in human capital and have a dampening effect on the domestic supply of skilled workers. Finally, it is found that more high-skilled immigrants would be welfare enhancing for medium- and low-skilled workers but welfare decreasing for high-skilled workers.