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Why is the price elasticity of imports low in Brazil? Evidence from disaggregated imports

Abstract

Recent studies have pointed out to a low price elasticity of Brazilian imports. In this study we provide a rationale for this result by revisiting the behavior of imports disaggregated in seven different categories. According to the results reported in this paper, the low price elasticity of total imports reflects the low price elasticities of intermediate goods, oil and fuel, and services such as transportation, royalties, and rents paid on machinery and equipment - products which together amount to about two thirds of aggregate Brazilian imports. We find that several of these imports have low or null possibility of substitution for domestic products, due to structural deficiencies in Brazilian productive capacity.

Keywords:
Price-elasticity of imports; Brazilian imports; Disaggregated imports; Imports categories; Brazil

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