Tariff reforms boost trade, lift welfare more than expected
The article explores how reducing tariffs can lead to welfare gains by encouraging firms to invest in exporting, which lowers costs over time. By analyzing producer decisions and trade dynamics, the study shows that the benefits of tariff reductions come from shifting towards exporting rather than creating new firms. These gains are significant and cannot be fully captured by static models. The size and growth rate of new exporters play a crucial role in determining the extent of these welfare gains.