Justin R. Pierce and Peter K. Schott
Trade Liberalization and Mortality
Evidence from U.S. Counties
Federal Reserve Board, 2016
What's inside?
Researchers uncover a link between trade liberalization with China and US mortality rates.
Recommendation
In 2000, the United States permanently normalized trade relations with China. Between then and 2013, mortality rates for white males increased by a “statistically significant” amount in US counties with high concentrations of manufacturing employment. This fascinating but complex report by economists Justin R. Pierce and Peter K. Schott dissects some of the externalities associated with trade policies. The authors explain the link between lower tariff rates for Chinese goods and higher US mortality rates as due to financial and economic stress on the workers who lost their jobs. getAbstract recommends this sobering study to policy makers, business leaders and employees.
Summary
About the Authors
Justin R. Pierce is an economist with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Peter K. Schott is a professor of economics at the Yale School of Management.
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