Hormone beefs, chloridric chicken and international trade: Can scientific uncertainty be an informational barrier to trade?

Arbeitspapier

We study international trade of innovative goods subject to scientific uncertainty on consumers' health effects. Trade of these goods is often at the centre of international disputes. We show that a new trade protectionism may arise because of the scientific uncertainty. A free riding effect is individuated implying a more conservative behaviour by countries. We also study the informative role played by producers (lobbies) in revealing valuable information. We find that producers reveal more information when the effects of harmful consumption on health are long lasting. Our results are robust to several extensions (e.g. product labelling, firm liability).

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: Nota di Lavoro ; No. 10. 2000

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft
• Subject: International trade ; lobbies ; information ; scientific uncertainty ; Lebensmittelsicherheit ; Gesundheitsrisiko ; Handelshemmnisse ; Außenhandelspolitik ; Protektionismus ; Interessenpolitik ; Spieltheorie ; Signalling ; Theorie

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Calzolari, Giacomo ; Immordino, Giovanni
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM)
• (where): Milano
• (when): 2000

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/155064
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET