Exports Of Pakistan Research Articles

Regional integration and export performance of Pakistan: Empirical evidence from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The study examines export impact of Pakistan's integration into Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on its export's performance. We apply Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) on augmented gravity model to estimate trade data from the period before and after permanent membership with Shanghai Cooperation Organization in 2017. The study aims to explore changes in exports volume and analyze the key mechanism through which Shanghai Cooperation Organization promotes exports. The study assesses that after integration which key exports sector such as agriculture or manufacturing sectors are affected more significantly. The initial findings suggest that SCO integration positively affect and provide access to Central Asian markets, leading to modest but noticeable promotion in exports promotion. In heterogeneity analysis we find that exports of Pakistan are more significant with low and middle-income level countries compared to higher-income level countries. Additionally, exports in the manufacturing sector benefited more than in the agriculture sector. The significant and positive findings of mechanism analysis indicate that the belt and road (B&R) initiative and bilateral trade agreements are the key factors to enhanced exports. The overall impact remains moderated by structural changes in Pakistan economy, such as poor infrastructure, deficiency in energy sector and limited trade relations with its neighbors India and Iran. The study concludes that although the SCO integration has positively promoted exports of Pakistan however, it requires to address domestic economic constraints and capitalize more effectively the benefits of SCO membership through regional cooperation mechanism. For more potential benefits in the region SCO needs to expand B&R connectivity, encourage more trade agreements, and adopt favorable environment to attract high income countries in the organization. The study provides the base for future research in depth analysis of long-term impact of SCO integration on Pakistan exports.

Impact of Economic Integration on Trade: A Case Study of Pakistan

Purpose: This paper tends to examine the impact of economic integration on trade for Pakistan. It studied all trade agreements of Pakistan with partner and non-partner nations. We test whether the trade creation (TC) and trade diversion (TD) effects on trade flows are same across for the members and non-member countries. Also, we have measured comparative advantage and comparative disadvantage. Design/Methodology/Approach: We have used correctly specified gravity model on the data of imports and exports of Pakistan starting from 1988 till 2020. We have also used Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) index in this research work. Findings: The results revealed from the RCA index shows that Pakistan recorded comparative advantage in most of the commodity group and less comparative disadvantage. Similarly, Pakistan is enhancing trade with partner and non-partner nations in majority of the commodity groups respectively. Implications/Originality/Value: We may conclude that Pakistan is having trade creation with its partner countries and non-partner countries in most of the agreements.

The Contribution of Islamic Banks L/C Financing and Exchange Rates Towards Pakistan's Exports Between 2010 and 2022

This study to examines the factors that can affect the Exports of Pakistan, by paying particular attention to letter of credit financing of Islamic banks in Pakistan and exchange rate. Sample data of Islamic listed Banks is selected from last twelve years i.e., 2010 to 2022 with 975 observations. Study measure exports performance using exports figures of Pakistan as the proxy for Export performance while external factors namely letter of credit financing of Islamic banks and exchange rate used as an influencing factor. Applying panel analysis, the results provide positive association Pakistan’s Export with Islamic banks letter of credit financing and exchange rate, indicating that easy availability of letter of credit financing and favorable exchange rate can help increase Pakistan’s exports. The study's findings can aid policy managers, particularly those hoping to boost exports and foreign exchange through them, as well as managers seeking to broaden their knowledge of the key elements influencing export performance

Examining the Impact of Digital Transformation on Exports of Pakistan

Examining the Impact of Digital Transformation on Exports of Pakistan

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BASED SUSTAINABLE COTTON CROP PRODUCTION USING REMOTE SENSING DATASET

The decline in cotton production in Pakistan has directly impacted the country's foreign exchange earnings, plummeting from twelve million bales in 1991, the number decreased to four million bales in 2020. Considering a substantial portion of Pakistan's exports are linked to the textiles area, with 40% of jobs tied to production, this decline is concerning. Factors such as climate change and changes in biotic and abiotic stresses have contributed to substantial losses in cotton production. In Pakistan, where 90% of farmers face resource constraints, there is a pressing need for more accurate mechanisms to understand the challenges in crop production. Timely acknowledgment and adoption of more flexible approaches to irrigation, fertilizer application, and pest and disease control are crucial. Excessive use of pesticides has exacerbated the situation, leading to the development of resistance among pests and diseases. Traditional visual inspection methods alone are insufficient for predicting crop health effectively, resulting in deprived crop yields and financial losses for agrarians. Enhancing crop health condition requires leveraging information gathered from remote sensing and terrestrial sensors, along with truth field surveys. By processing this data through tools like the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) and employing machine learning techniques such as artificial neural networks, more accurate local and field-level advice can be provided to farmers. This approach aims to optimize crop management practices, reduce losses, and ultimately improve farmers' incomes.

SONA SUPER BASMATI: A NEW EXTRA-LONG GRAIN HIGH YIELDING RICE VARIETY WITH EXCELLENT COOKING QUALITY

Abstract Rice crop feeds about half of the world’s population which is getting larger and hungrier with every tick of the clock. Basmati rice being a geographical speciality of Pakistan is widely proclaimed as one of the finest rice available throughout the world due to its unique aroma, taste, and texture. Changing consumer behavior and preferences for basmati rice i.e., extra-long grain length along with excellent cooking quality, reiterates the revitalization of rice breeding objectives to develop suitable basmati rice varieties. In this context, plant breeders at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku identified a suitable transgressive segregant from F2 segregating population of a cross (PK 10436) between the famous basmati rice variety “Basmati 515” (female parent) and 99417 (male parent). The initial cross of PK 10436-4-2 was accomplished during Kharif, 2010 followed by its rigorous selection and purification in succeeding generations through the pedigree method till F4 generation in Kharif, 2014. After its development, PK 10436-4-2 was evaluated in Station Yield Trials (Kharif, 2016 - 2019) for various yields and its attributing traits in which it gave a cumulative 31.37 % yield advantage over the check variety (Super Basmati). Meanwhile, multi-locational yield evaluation was accomplished in Micro-plot Yield Trials and National Uniform Yield Trials for two consecutive years (Kharif, 2020 - 2021) at various locations across Pakistan; in which, PK 10436-4-2 out-yielded the check variety by 17.50 % and 19.75 % respectively. In addition to superior yield indices, PK 10436-4-2 showed excellent cooking quality i.e., extra-long grain length (AGL = 9.5 mm; CGL = 17.5 mm), with strong aroma. The aforementioned superior credentials of this candidate line led to its approval for general cultivation as “Sona Super Basmati” in the 56th meeting of the Punjab Seed Council, Punjab, Pakistan. In the future, prospects of cultivating Sona Super Basmati could create new vistas not only in local rice consumption but also in the basmati rice export of Pakistan.

Competitiveness of citrus export and its determinants: a two-way fixed effect panel data model approach.

Pakistan has a conducive condition for the development of a wide range of scrumptious fruits. As a result, the country grows a diverse assortment of tropical and subtropical fruits; the most prized and top-ranked fruit among all fruits grown in Pakistan is citrus. Citrus is the principal fruit that contributes significantly to Pakistan's export earnings and national income. In this study, the cross-border determinants influencing Pakistan's citrus exports to its topmost 22 trading partners are examined using a gravity model technique. This is the first large study from Pakistan by using gravity model to check the impact of various cross-border factors on citrus fruit export. The analysis is based on a panel dataset covering the years 2003 to 2021. To estimate the results, the study used fixed effect regression with time and country fixed effects. The results signify that per capita income, population, and some regional dummies are positively associated with citrus exports from Pakistan. Citrus price, distance, exchange rate, and other regional dummies are observed to have an adverse effect on citrus exports. Trade agreements between Pakistan and trade partners such as free trade agreements, preferential trade agreements, and SAFTA, have been observed as important determinants of citrus exports. Citrus exporters in Pakistan can also benefit from understanding the factors that influence export markets. By addressing the challenges identified in this study, Pakistan can enhance its citrus exports and boost its agricultural sector.

The scientific tale of the nexus between oil prices, macroeconomic uncertainty and Pakistan's exports to its major trading partners: Insights from advanced methods

AbstractThe recent study aims to analyze the nonlinear dynamic effects of oil price shocks and macroeconomic uncertainty on exports. To achieve this, the study utilizes monthly data from July 2003 to December 2020 on oil prices and macroeconomic uncertainty, examining their impact on Pakistan's exports to its major trading partners. To ensure detailed and robust findings, the study employs various advanced econometric tools, including quantile unit root, cointegration, Granger causality tests, and quantile‐on‐quantile regression (QQR) and wavelet quantile correlation (WQC) techniques. The QQR and WQC estimates reveal diverse and nonlinear effects of oil price shocks and macroeconomic uncertainty on exports, reflecting the complexity of the relationship. While oil price shocks (OP) predominantly hinder exports in most cases, a significant and positive association between OP and exports is also observed. Similarly, macroeconomic uncertainty generally exhibits a significantly adverse influence on exports, but positive impacts are also evident. Furthermore, the quantile Granger causality test confirms the presence of a bidirectional causal relationship between the selected series. Based on the results mentioned above, the study argues that the effects of oil price shocks and economic uncertainty are nonlinear, diverse, and complex. As a result, the study suggests implementing phase‐wise policy recommendations to address these complexities.

Does the China–Pakistan free trade agreement benefit the vegetable exports of Pakistan? A gravity estimation

In the backdrop of criticism that the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement has disproportionately favored China, particularly in agricultural trade, there has been a surge in Pakistan’s imports, leading to a trade deficit. This study attempts to evaluate the impact of CPFTA 1&2 on the vegetable exports of Pakistan which is an important sector of the agricultural industry. A panel data set of Pakistan’s vegetable exports to its trading partners from 2003 to 2021 was analyzed with the extensively used gravity model of trade. The vegetable export data was sourced from the International Trade Centre (ITC) which is based on the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The results suggest that the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA-I) has a positive association with Pakistan’s vegetable exports to China. However, trade liberalization with Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia plays a more substantial role in driving Pakistan’s vegetable exports. CPFTA-II has not had a measurable or statistically significant impact on the vegetable exports of Pakistan as this period was highly influenced by COVID-19. The results of colonialism variables show that Pakistan is exporting more to countries with the same colonial history. Moreover, the results of the geographical variable suggest that Pakistan should explore more close markets to expand vegetable exports. Policy implications suggest the need to reduce trade costs, leverage CPEC infrastructure, enrich trade relations with neighboring countries, and involve business professionals in policy negotiations.

The Impact of Exchange Rates and L/C Financing from Islamic Banks on Pakistan's Exports Between 2010 and 2022

The Impact of Exchange Rates and L/C Financing from Islamic Banks on Pakistan's Exports Between 2010 and 2022

Effects of Exchange Rate Variations on Imports and Exports: A Case Study of Pakistan

This study examines the impact of exchange rate fluctuation on Pakistan's exports and imports throughout 2000 to 2019. The current study uses a non-probabilistic approach for the sample selection. Descriptive statistics are used in order to assess the data based on mean, medium, and standard deviation; however, regression analysis is used to analyze the relationship between variables. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether trade flows are influenced by exchange rate volatility symmetrically or asymmetrically, as the exchange rate variations have shown an empathic impact on the economies of developing nations in the past years. The existing study investigates the effect of currency fluctuation in the context of Pakistan. It is generally recommended that policymakers in Pakistan consider the existence and degree of exchange rate volatility as well as the predicted impact of this volatility on specific macroeconomic variables when implementing trade strategies. This will allow for increased trade and foreign direct investment potential. The results of the study show that there is a substantial correlation between exports and exchange rates, with a t-statistics value of 2.01 for the independent variable of currency rates. We find that the exchange rate significantly affects the exports and imports of Pakistan. As the results show, currency fluctuation does affect the imports and exports, so automatically, the economic growth of the country is concerned. Inflation and interest rates are taken as control variables in the existing article.

Policy Impacts on Comparative Advantage and Production Protection to Cotton and Its Competing Crops in Pakistan

Agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, holds paramount significance for the economy of Pakistan. The cotton crop shares 0.6 percent of the gross domestic product and contributes 70 percent to the country’s export earnings. Nonetheless, during the last two decades, cotton area and production in the country have declined. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the economic benefits and competitiveness of cotton and its competitive crops under the current set of relevant policies. We have employed a Policy Analysis Matrix to assess the impact of agricultural policies on cotton and its competing crops. The results show that cotton producers across Pakistan are implicitly taxed, while sugarcane and rice producers are protected under the current policy measures. It has also become evident that large cotton growers are more likely to get a comparative advantage of prevailing policy incentives than medium and small growers. Thus, crop-specific and scale-specific policy interventions are suggested to enhance cotton production. Similarly, exploring and converging on new potential areas for cotton production, especially in Balochistan, can improve the country’s overall cotton production.
 1. INTRODUCTION
 State institutions worldwide protect and support the agricultural sector through various policy measures. This support keeps the agriculture sector productive and competitive to ensure food security for the masses, livelihoods for farming entities, and to meet the requirements of agro-based industries (GOP, 2019). These policies broadly deal with farm inputs and outputs, trade facilitation/restrictions, mechanisation of cropping systems, and investment in rural and agricultural infrastructure, including R&D and irrigation. Government interventions have resulted in various advantages for specific crops while creating social and economic externalities for others. Pakistan has also adopted several policy measures to cater to the needs of farming communities in the changing global scenario. These policies are sometimes crop-specific but, most of the time, are designed to increase total crop productivity (MPDS, 2013).
 Agriculture contributes around 22.9 percent of the GDP and almost 34.7 percent of employment in Pakistan (GOP, 2023a). The share of major crops in GDP is nearly 4.32 percent, of which cotton accounts for 0.6 percent of GDP and 3.1 percent of total value addition in agriculture. In the case of cotton, Pakistan is the fifth largest producer globally. Its share is around 0.6 percent of GDP and contributes 2.4 percent of the value added in agriculture (GOP, 2023a). Similarly, cotton has the longest value chain among all crops, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings. Pakistan exports $836 million (4.7 percent) of raw cotton and yarn, while cotton-based exports account for $9.5 billion, comprising more than half of the country’s total exports (GOP, 2021b). Though cotton is considered the main cash crop in the country with its strong backward and forward linkages, the past couple of decades have observed a dismal cotton performance in many instances. At the same time, the last five years can be considered devastating in terms of cotton area, production, and profitability. Table 1 below reflects the reduction in the cotton area in Punjab (which contributes around 70 percent of the total cotton acreage) and the decline in cotton production and yield. It has been observed that since 2000, cotton has lost 12 percent of its area, while its competing crops have gained the area under cultivation, mainly sugarcane, which followed a 17 percent increase in its area.
 The area replacement of cotton crop with its competitive Kharif crops, i.e., sugarcane, maize, and rice, has many interesting insights from a policy perspective. There are diverging opinions at the policy level, whether the downfall of the cotton crop is due to adverse climatic conditions, the development of pest pressure in cotton growing areas, or the frequent distortions in output and input markets. It has been observed that output prices, among all other factors, remain the primary cause of reducing the profitability of the cotton crop.

The Relations Between Pakistan and China

Pakistan and China are exemplary friends and their friendship has laid down indelible imprints on the sand of time. the geographical proximity and mutuality of interest are the key features to promote bilateral relations. Pakistan and China assisted each other in different sectors to strengthen their friendship bond. Pakistan and China have a deep-rooted strategic partnership that spans several decades. This partnership is based on shared interests and mutual trust. Both countries have consistently supported each other on various international issues. Economic cooperation is a cornerstone of the Pakistan-China relationship. China has invested significantly in Pakistan through various infrastructure projects, including the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which aims to connect China's western region to Pakistan's Gwadar Port through a network of roads, railways, and pipelines. This project is seen as a game-changer for Pakistan's economy. Pakistan and China have a growing trade relationship. China is one of Pakistan's largest trading partners, and the two countries have signed several agreements to enhance trade and reduce trade barriers. Pakistan exports various products to China, including textiles, agricultural goods, and seafood. Pakistan and China have a long history of military cooperation. they conduct joint military exercises and have a history of arms sales and technology transfers. the collaboration in the defense sector is an important aspect of their relationship. Both countries often support each other diplomatically in international forums. there are cultural exchanges and cooperation in education and tourism between the two countries. This helps foster people-to-people connections and a better understanding of each other's cultures. the Pakistan-China relationship has significant geopolitical implications, particularly in the context of South Asia. It provides China with a strategic foothold in the region and access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar Port. It also has implications for the balance of power in the region, particularly in relation to India.

COMPETING GLOBALLY: REGIONALLY COMPETITIVE ENERGY TARIFFS (RCET) FOR EXPORT-ORIENTED ENTERPRISES OF PAKISTAN

This research investigates the multifaceted challenges and intricacies surrounding the implementation of Regionally Competitive Energy Tariffs (RCET) within Pakistan's export sector. In an era marked by increased global competition and a growing need for energy sustainability, understanding the dynamics of energy pricing in export industries is paramount. The research identifies significant hurdles in implementing RCET in Pakistan, including problems with data availability, reliability, and confidentiality. These issues may affect the accuracy of the analysis. Furthermore, it recognizes the dynamic nature of the energy and export sectors, making it challenging to capture changes within a set timeframe. It also offers valuable guidance to policymakers, energy sector stakeholders, and export industry leaders aiming to enhance Pakistan's export competitiveness. It lays the groundwork for future studies, advocating for more profound insights through in-depth interviews and surveys with industry players. Long-term assessments of RCET's impact on Pakistan's export competitiveness are also encouraged.

Navigating the US-China Trade War: Implications for Pakistan

The present study explores the implications of the trade war between the United States and China, with a focus on its security implications for Pakistan. The trade war between the world's two largest economies has resulted in escalating tariffs, trade restrictions, and increasing protectionism. As a major trading partner of both the United States and China, Pakistan finds itself caught in the crossfire of this economic conflict. From an economic standpoint, Pakistan has faced several challenges due to the trade war. The disruption in global supply chains and reduced bilateral trade between the US and China have adversely affected Pakistan's exports and foreign direct investment. Pakistan's economy heavily relies on exports to both countries, particularly in sectors such as textiles, electronics, and agriculture. Furthermore, the trade war's security implications for Pakistan are multifaceted. As tensions between the US and China have escalated, both countries have sought to gain influence and strategic advantages in various regions, including South Asia. Pakistan, being a significant player in the region, has experienced intensified competition for influence. The US has sought to deepen its partnership with Pakistan to counterbalance China's growing economic and military presence in the region, while China has expanded its investments and infrastructure projects in Pakistan under its Belt and Road Initiative. The security implications for Pakistan in the context of the trade war also involve regional dynamics. Pakistan shares a border with China and maintains a complex relationship with India, which has its own geopolitical interests in the region. The shifting alliances and power dynamics resulting from the trade war could potentially affect Pakistan's security environment and its ongoing challenges, such as the Kashmir dispute and terrorism.

GENERAL DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH MULTI DEPENDENT PANELS: A STUDY OF PAK-US TRADE

The basic purpose of this study to General Diagnostic test for Sustainable Economic Growth Multi Dependent Panels of Cross Section. The two sample models are using “USA import from Pakistan impact on USA economy” and “Pakistan export to USA impact on Pakistan economy” with multi macroeconomic dependent variables of each country for the period of 2012 to 2021 and examine through a new General Diagnostic test of Cross-section diagnostic test (CSDT) that highly recommended for future examination of research data. The Results showing the high impact “Import on US Macroeconomic variables” and “Export on Pakistan Macroeconomic variables” that influencing the country economy. The Cross-section diagnostic test (CSDT) result also indicates each macroeconomic dependent variable of a country highly influenced by import and export. Like Pakistan face balance of payment issue and export helping indicator and USA shortage of agricultural product, dairy and natural resources production, import strengthen the usage (meet the need), standard living and economy. Research implications are very clear import and export of a country is highly significant that meet the need of financial and usage of a country. This study has two main recommendations. First, strongly recommends for Policy maker more focus on exports with the help of country resources and meet the need of country. Second, the study is strongly recommended to research institution, and research scholar the new General Diagnostic test Multi Dependent Panels of Cross Section (for Sustainable Economic Growth) is suggested to use for future examination of research data.

Depreciation to correct trade deficit- a misdirected policy: Empirical evidence from Pakistan

A favorable trade balance is a positive indicator for emerging economies, and rectifying trade imbalances is paramount for every country. However, fixing trade deficits by depreciating the currency is a misguided policy approach. This study refutes this myth by computing the elasticity of Pakistan's exports, imports, and trade balance using the real exchange rate. It also examines the degree to which trade elasticities respond to changing trade regimes and exchange rate policies in Pakistan from 1982 to 2019. The structural break cointegration technique is used for empirical analysis. The vector error correction model (VECM) is also employed in the study to establish long-run and short-run relationships. The findings show that depreciation boosts import demand rather than export demand, hence worsening the trade balance. As a result, the study dismisses the presence of the J-curve in the case of Pakistan. According to this analysis, the exchange rate policy has little bearing on the economy's structure, and the necessity for a devaluation results from economic structural inefficiencies rather than trade-enhancing policies. The government and policymakers should reform the economy rather than let the currency depreciate.

Factors Affecting the Exports of Pakistan to United Arab Emirates: A Time Series Analysis

The UAE is one of Pakistan's largest trading partners in the Middle East region. The trade between the two countries is characterized by a significant volume of imports and exports and substantial investment flows. The research goal was to analyze the factors affecting Pakistan's exports to the United Arab Emirates. Various variables were chosen, and time series data from 1975 to 2022 was used for the analysis. Information on these indicators was sourced from the World Bank, the Federal Bureau of Statistics in Islamabad, Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan, the Pakistan Economic Survey, International Financial Statistics, and the International Monetary Fund. For this purpose, the Pooled OLS model was used to estimate the impact of different factors. According to the results of the study for determining the factors of exports of Pakistan to United Arab Emirates, The GDP of both Pakistan and the UAE, along with the inflation rate in Pakistan and the exchange rate in Pakistan, are significant predictors for the dependent variable. The effects of population in both countries and inflation in UAE are not statistically significant, indicating that they may not be as crucial for understanding the variation in the dependent variable. As such, any policy or strategy should focus on the significant variables for effective outcomes.

Determinants of Exchange Rate: A Case Study of Pakistan

The present research was conducted to study the impact of macro-economic variables on index value of currency. The main objective of this research was to investigate some major factors having their contribution towards influencing exchange rate of Pakistan. For this purpose, time series monthly data on five macro-economic variables, i.e. Inflation rate, KIBOR, Forex Reserves, Exports and Imports of Pakistan was collected for the period of 2001-2015. Correlation and Regression analysis techniques were used to analyze the relationship between criterion and predictor variables. Study divulged that Inflation rate; exports and imports remained significant and have their major contribution towards influencing currency rates in Pakistan. On the other hand, Forex reserves and KIBOR confirmed moderate relationship with exchange rate. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that inflation rate, KIBOR and exports have positive association while imports and Forex reserves demonstrated negative association with exchange rate.

Adjustments in markups after a Free Trade Agreement: An analysis of Pakistani firms gaining increased access to China

ABSTRACT Increased market access through trade liberalization can affect the markups, prices, and marginal costs of exporters. Understanding these dynamics is critical for firms and policymakers, particularly as they formulate export strategies. We examine the impact of China lowering tariffs on Pakistani products under the Pakistan–China Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which gave Pakistani exporters greater market access. Using disaggregated output and price data for textile manufacturers in Punjab, Pakistan, we estimate product-level markups and marginal costs using the methodology of De Loecker, Goldberg, Khandelwal, and Pavcnik (2016) [“Prices, Markups, and Trade Reform.” Economterica 84 (2): 445–510]. We then extend this to the firm level by using the methodology of De Loecker and Warzynsksi (2012) [“Markups and Firm-Level Export Status.” American Economic Review, 2437–2471]. We find that Pakistani firms exporting to China followed a dynamic pricing strategy by reducing prices to compete with global competitors in the Chinese market. We also find evidence of a decrease in marginal costs as a result of reductions in X-inefficiencies. But because Pakistan's exports to China are relatively homogeneous, the extent of quality differentiation and markup margins was limited. Finally, we find evidence of pro-competitive effects.