"Migration and spatial misallocation in China" by Xiaolu LI, Lin MA et al.
 

Publication Type

Working Paper

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

4-2023

Abstract

We structurally estimate the firm-level frictions across prefectures in China and quantify their aggregate and distributional implications. Based on a general equi-librium model with input and output distortions and migration, we show that the firm-level frictions are less dispersed and less correlated with productivity in richer prefectures. Counterfactual exercises show that reducing the within-prefecture mis-allocation increases the aggregate welfare, discourages migration towards large cities, and narrows the spatial inequality. Moreover, internal migration alleviates the impacts of micro-frictions on aggregate welfare and worsens their impacts on spatial inequality.

Keywords

misallocation, regional trade, economic geography, welfare gai

Discipline

Asian Studies | International Economics | Regional Economics

Research Areas

Applied Microeconomics; International Economics

First Page

1

Last Page

71

Identifier

10.2139/ssrn.3925339

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