Machinery Production Networks and Import Tariff Evasion

Abstract

In this paper we followed Fisman and Wei’s (2004) approach to estimate the effects of import tariff rates on import tariff evasion. We focus on East Asian countries import of machinery products and our main objective is to test if the trade realized inside production networks (intra-regional) is less prone to import tariff evasion than imports from countries outside it (inter-regional). In this study we considered the differences in tariff evasion between intra and inter-regional imports; parts and components and final products; and the heterogeneity between electric machinery and transport equipment. The data provide evidences that intra-regional imports are less prone to tariff evasion than inter-regional imports. Besides this, we identify differences in the channels employed to evade tariff. The results suggest that underreport of quantities was the main channel employed in intra-regional imports tariff evasion, while inter-regional import tariffs were evaded through unit price misreport. JEL: F14, K42, H26