Modelling the Impact of Trade Liberalisation

This hard-hitting research report presents a rigorous critique of the most widely used trade models based on computable general equilibrium (or CGE) models. The authors present concise analytical arguments explaining the fundamental weaknesses of typical CGE models. They show that these models tend to make unrealistic assumptions about the macro-economy and do not allow an accurate estimation of the welfare gains that trade liberalisation is supposed to induce. The report appeals for honest simulation strategies showing a variety of possible outcomes, which would enable policy-makers to assess the different scenarios for themselves.

Author Biography

Lance Taylor is the Arnhold Professor of International Cooperation and Development and Director of the Center for Economic Policy Analysis at the New School University. He has been a professor in the economics departments of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as being a visiting professor at the University of Minnesota, the Universidade da Brasilia, Delhi University, and the Stockholm School of Economics. He moved to the New School in 1993.