The dispersion of customs tariffs in France between 1850 and 1913: Discrimination in trade policy

Stéphane Becuwe and Bertrand Blancheton ()

A chapter in Research in Economic History, 2014, vol. 30, pp 163-183 from Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract: The principle of tariffs dispersion, or differential tariffs depending on country of origin, is well known. For instance, Canada adapted a double column of tariffs after 1846, Spain in 1877, and Switzerland in the 1880–1890s. But there has never before been a comprehensive measure for any national economy, to our knowledge. This contribution proposes an original and exhaustive measure of customs tariffs dispersion depending on the origin of imported products for France between 1850 and 1913. Part of this dispersion arises indirectly as the result of compiling the nomenclature – or the schedule of categories – for France’s general trade chart. Our study nevertheless reveals the existence of direct discriminatory practices applied to certain countries for certain products. The creation of this measure yields important insights. First, tariff dispersion’s evolution completes the analysis of the chronology of trade policy. Second, it is possible to link tariff discrimination, imports in particular sectors, and national production. In our opinion, the paper should pave the way to work that reintroduces a country-specific dimension into the study of late 19th century commercial policy.

Keywords: Trade policy; tariffs; first globalization; N7 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Related works:
Working Paper: The Dispersion of Customs Tariffs in France between 1850 and 1913: Discrimination in Trade Policy (2014)
Working Paper: The dispersion of customs tariffs in France between 1850 and 1913: Discrimination in trade policy (2014)
Working Paper: The dispersion of customs tariffs in France between 1850 and 1913: discrimination in trade policy (2012)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:rehizz:s0363-3268(2014)0000030004

DOI: 10.1108/S0363-3268(2014)0000030004

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