Global price differences driven by wages, productivity, and market power, not trade barriers.
The article explores why prices differ between countries by looking at market structures, trade barriers, and economies of scale. Researchers developed a model that considers market power, input costs, and productivity differences. They analyzed data from Japan, South Korea, and many other countries. The study found that wages, productivity, market power, and economies of scale are the main factors influencing price differences. Surprisingly, trade barriers and competition policies don't seem to have a big impact on prices.