The impact of trade liberalization on growth and employment is a much debated and controversial issue. In theory, trade liberalization results in productivity gains through increased competition, efficiency, innovation and acquisition of new technology. Trade policy works by inducing substitution effects in the production and consumption of goods and services through changes in price. These factors, in turn, influence the level and composition of exports and imports. In particular, the changing relative price induced by trade liberalization causes a more efficient reallocation of resources. Trade liberalization is also seen as expanding economic opportunities by enlarging the market size and enhancing the impact of knowledge spillover. However, empirical evidence to support these propositions is far from conclusive. Both cross-country and country-specific studies have failed to suggest any conclusive evidence to support the claim that trade liberalization promotes economic growth and aids net employment generation...

(MARKHUB publication)