Tariff Rates Research Articles

Institution Building without Commitment

We propose a theory of gradualism in the implementation of good policies, suitable for environments featuring time consistency. We downplay the role of the initial period by allowing agents both to wait for future agents to start equilibrium play and to restart the equilibrium by ignoring past history. The allocation gradually transits toward one that weighs both short- and long-term concerns, stopping short of the Ramsey outcome but greatly improving upon Markovian equilibria. We use the theory to account for the slow emergence of both climate policies and the reduction of global tariff rates. (JEL C73, E21, E61, F13, H30)

Optimized Smart Home Energy Management System: Reducing Grid Consumption and Costs through Real-Time Pricing and Hybrid Architecture

Utility authorities utilize various methods to promote end-user energy conservation, including higher tariff rates and demand response (DR) strategies. This paper investigates an Optimized Smart Home Energy Management System (OSHEMS) designed to minimize grid dependence and energy bills while ensuring reliable load delivery. A hybrid architecture prototype was implemented, integrating a photovoltaic (PV) array, battery storage, and the electrical grid. The system combines Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) solar chargers and Pure Sine Wave (PSW) inverters for efficient energy management. The Home Energy Management Whale Optimization Algorithm (HEMWOA) was employed to optimize energy usage and achieve cost reduction while enhancing user comfort. Real-time pricing (RTP) tariffs incentivizing flexible energy consumption during peak hours were incorporated. OSHEMS manages, schedules, and monitors energy sources and appliances, determining the optimal consumption mix. Experimental results demonstrate a significant decrease in grid reliance (46.6%) and energy costs (57.7%) compared to non-scheduling scenarios. These findings highlight the potential of OSHEMS in promoting sustainable and cost-effective energy consumption in smart homes.

Cumulative Tariff Cost Rate and Structure in the Global Value Chain: A Theoretical and Empirical Study

Abstract This paper constructs a more unified measurement framework from the perspective of the Leontief inverse matrix and Ghosh inverse matrix (Ghosh). At the same time, referring to the four-term decomposition method of Leontief inverse matrix in Muradov (2016), this paper analyzes the structural decomposition of the cumulative tariff cost rate. Results show that (1) Overall, from 2000 to 2017, China’s cumulative tariff cost rate, direct tariff cost rate, and multi-stage tariff cost rate all showed a downward trend, and the decline was greater than that of other countries (regions). China has strictly fulfilled its WTO accession commitments and has greatly reduced the tariff rate on imported intermediate goods. (2) With China’s deep participation in the global value chain, the amplification effect of China’s tariffs has increased from 2.57 in 2000 to 3.17 in 2017, and there is a certain degree of “amplification effect” (above 1.5) in tariffs in all countries in the world. (3) From the perspective of the contribution rate of various countries in the world, China contributes the most to the global cumulative tariff cost rate, which is due to the complexity of the global production network structure, rather than the excessively high tariff rate imposed by China on imported intermediate goods. In terms of policy implications, if China did not take the initiative to reduce tariffs, the structural changes in the global production network would lead to a larger global cumulative tariff cost rate.

FUZZY LOGIC-BASED POWER MANAGEMENT IN GRID-CONNECTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

With the ever-increasing application of photovoltaic systems on the power grid, energy flow management and grid stability have become a key factor, especially under varying conditions like variable cloud cover and fluctuating load demands. The paper looks forward to proposing a fuzzy logic approach to the management of energy regarding a solar energy system connected to a grid, aiming at obtaining an optimised power distribution among PV generation, the grid, and battery storage. The proposed system will be driven by five input parameters, PV value, grid availability, load demand, battery state of charge, and tariff rate, to regulate the energy flow activity within different scenarios. The simulation results developed in the MATLAB Simulink environment proved the effectiveness of the applied controller in maintaining energy stability and fulfilling the requirements of a load within seven case studies for a 24-hour duration. The work points out the potential of fuzzy logic, besides reliability, in enhancing the efficiency of various renewable energy systems integrated with conventional energy supply grids.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0799/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Modeling of methane emissions from waste disposal sites at selected Egyptian governorates and potential energy production from waste-to-energy projects

Waste and energy sectors have significant contributions to the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused primarily by the population expansion. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) is introduced to address the issue raised by both sectors simultaneously through utilization of the potential energy stored in municipal solid waste (MSW) as well as offsetting GHG emissions. Limited research have been conducted in Egypt to assess the current situation of MSW management and associated methane emissions. The current study focused on estimating the baseline methane emissions for six Egyptian governorates and determining the energy production potential from WtE projects. To achieve this aim, three scenarios have been assessed: Baseline, Landfill Gas to Energy (LFGE), and Incineration scenarios. Key results revealed that a total of 3.7 million tonnes of methane would be emitted from all studied governorates generated over 50 years. Incineration also found to be more favorable in all governorates in terms of energy production, quantity of avoided GHG emissions, and in terms of economic viability over LFGE. Implementing incineration in all governorates would generate about 5.6 TWh energy annually and could avoid about 5 Mt CO2 eq annually in comparison to LFGE that would generate about 0.6 TWh annually and could avoid about 2.5 Mt CO2 eq annually. In terms of economic viability of WtE projects, while they were generally not economically viable under the assumptions made in the current study, incineration technology deemed promising, but policy adjustments, such as competitive Feed-in Tariff (FiT) rates and the inclusion of gate fees, are necessary. Specific minimum gate fees and FiT were identified for each governorate, providing essential guidance for decision makers to ensure the viability of WtE implementation. This study would support the decision makers in assessing technically and financially feasible options for WtE technologies in the selected governorates.

Certain aspects of the implementation of imputed insurance of environmental risks in the Russian Federation

Purpose: of this article is to justify the implementation of insurance of environmental risks in the Russian Federation in the form of a pilot project based on imputed insurance with the definition of the main conditions of insurance coverage.Methods: the presented work uses statistical and predictive methods and the integrated approach for processing data on natural, climatic and human activity risks. Correlation-regression analysis and actuarial modeling were used to determine the conditions for insuring environmental risks and calculate tariff rates.Results: the paper substantiates the possibility of carrying out insurance of environmental risks in the form of a pilot project using an imputed form of insurance. Approaches to the calculation of the main parameters of business civil liability insurance for causing environmental damage as a result of an accident within the framework of a pilot project are proposed, including the determination of the minimum and maximum non-aggregate insurance limit, the minimum number of insurance companies, and the calculation of tariff rates. Due to the lack of Russian statistics on insurance coverage of environmental risks, statistical data on global insurance catastrophic losses from natural events, climate risks and human actions, as well as judicial statistics on disputes over the application of environmental protection legislation, were used for the calculation. The regions of the Russian Federation were identified for the implementation of a pilot project of environmental risk insurance.Conclusions and Relevance: the implementation of a pilot project of environmental risk insurance in certain regions on the basis of imputed insurance will make it possible to assess the current and forecast level of environmental risks in the Russian Federation, the need for insurance and reinsurance protection, the possibility and necessity of state participation in covering environmental damage. Using insurance statistics, insurers will be able to develop adjustment factors that encourage enterprises to take preventive measures. Reflection in a special reporting section of the results of the participation of insurance companies in the insurance of environmental pollution risks will be considered as the implementation of ESG principles.

THE STATE, PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PRICING DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF CONSTRUCTION OF ANTENNA-MAST STRUCTURES OF CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS

The article examines issues related to the current state and problems of pricing in the field of construction of antenna-mast structures of cellular communications. The authors point out the peculiarity of the considered sphere of construction in terms of the mechanism for determining the estimated cost using tariffers, which differs from the generally accepted method, which implies the use of approved estimated standards, and is due to the lack of prices in the current regulatory framework that allow full marking of special types of work performed during the construction of antenna-mast structures. The disadvantages of this approach are given due to the establishment of prices in the tariff for enlarged work complexes and elements of the structure as a whole, which does not allow taking into account factors that have a significant impact on the design features of the support and, as a result, the cost of its construction and depend on the construction conditions and customer requirements. At the same time, the authors note and clearly confirm the absence of linking the rates of the tariff to the amount of work actually performed and the consumption of resources during the construction of a specific antenna-mast structure, which entails an unreliable estimate of the cost of construction. Separately, a comparison of the cost of materials for the construction of supports of the same height, depending on the projected payload, is provided, which also confirms the need to revise the existing pricing system. The authors provide recommendations aimed at improving the pricing mechanism used: options are proposed for the development and implementation of estimated standards for the construction area under consideration, as well as for improving the tariff rates in the interaction of construction organizations and customers.

Justin S. Morrill and the meaning of protection

ABSTRACT Historians state that the protectionism that arose in the nineteenth century resulted from the new Republican party embracing its Whig roots while acquiescing to lobbyists and “greedy manufacturers.” Justin S. Morrill, Republican Congressman then Senator from Vermont, was the person most responsible for both the tariff and internal revenue measures enacted during the American Civil War. I argue that by studying Morrill, we find that there were many reasons for the extraordinary increase in tariff rates during the war. This is significant because the rise in tariff rates during the war has been associated with the pressure exerted by manufacturers through lobbying during the war to increase tariff rates, subsequently leading to the “new industrial order” of the late nineteenth century. Morrill’s attempt to balance internal revenue and tariff legislation played a significant role in this development. Morrill’s goal was to elevate farmers and “the interests of laborers” – he was never a shill for manufacturers. Protecting agricultural products and laborers remained at the heart of Morrill’s agenda. This can be seen in both the tariff and internal revenue legislation enacted during the Civil War.

Assessing optimized time-of-use pricing for electric vehicle charging in deep vehicle-grid integration system

The expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy (RE) are the two major strategies countries are adopting to achieve energy transition. However, the discrepancy between intermittent RE generation and EV charging load may impose burden on the RE-dominant power grid of the future. For the issue, Time-of-Use (ToU) pricing for EV charging has been widely discussed or adopted as its potential is well acknowledged by previous studies. While ToU mechanism has been primarily based on drivers' price-responsive behavior, this research highlights that EV charging decisions are influenced by various factors beyond price, such as time of a day, charger accessibility and waiting time. Here, we conducted the discrete choice experiment to measure drivers' preferences for EV charging, and developed an EV charging behavior model which incorporated drivers' situational-responsiveness as well as price-responsiveness. Also, the model was used to design optimal ToU tariffs to minimize net-load variation. The results showed that strategic ToU tariffs can shift EV charging load, but achieving desirable load shifts requires a significant price gap. Additionally, combining ToU pricing with strategic deployment of charging infrastructure can effectively shift EV charging load, reducing RE curtailments by 22.14%, and LNG generation and carbon emissions by 10.12%, compared to the Business-as-Usual (BaU) scenario with current tariff rates. Thus, this study highlights the importance of flexible EV charging pricing and the importance of considering charging infrastructure deployment when designing EV ToU pricing.

Product market competition and audit fees: new evidence

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relation between product market competition and audit fees by using firm-level product market competition measures and mitigating the endogeneity issues.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses 12,136 US firms from 2004 and 2019. To ensure the robustness of the main findings, this study uses three firm-level product market competition measures and import trade tariff rate reductions of the USA as a quasi-natural experiment. This study also performs three cross-sectional tests and validation tests.FindingsThis study demonstrates that there is a negative relation between product market competition and audit fees and establishes a causal relation. Moreover, it reveals that the findings become more pronounced when auditors possess industry-specific expertise, when client firms are younger, and when operating within more homogeneous industries. Additionally, a validation analysis supports the findings.Practical implicationsThis study offers significant insights for regulators by highlighting how product market competition plays a constructive role in overseeing firm management.Originality/valueThe authors contribute to the existing literature by showing that there is a negative association between product market competition and audit fees after controlling external monitoring mechanisms. The authors also find the causal relation. These findings indicate that competitive pressures originating from product markets exert a significant influence on disciplining a client firm’s management.

Product market competition and disclosure content differentiation: A topic modeling analysis

AbstractWe examine how product market competition affects firms’ disclosure content. Theory suggests that competition leads firms to strategically disclose to avoid proprietary costs; however, the empirical evidence has been mixed. We investigate whether firms manage disclosure content to protect proprietary information, a disclosure strategy under‐researched in the literature. We use a topic‐modeling technique to extract and compare thematic topics that industry peers disclose in management discussion and analysis (MD&A) in 10‐K filings. Exploiting large reductions in US import tariff rates as an exogenous shock to product market competition, we find that firms differentiate disclosure topics in response. This effect is more pronounced when disclosures incur higher proprietary costs, as theoretically predicted, and stronger for firms with greater product similarity to industry peers and those with longer MD&A disclosure texts.

아태지역 ODA사업 지원을 위한 대상국 선정 및 지원 사업 연구

Purpose: This study aimed t o e stablish strategies for strengthening t ransport networks in the Asia-Pacific region and select countries for support to improve port and logistics infrastructure. Research design, data, and methodology: Cluster analysis was used to select the target countries for support. The analysis was based on 15 variables, including GDP, economic growth, population, import and export growth, tariff rates, import tax rates, and container volumes, derived from literature studies of 53 UN ESCAP member countries. Cluster analysis was performed using a primary cluster analysis utilizing the quantitative variables and a secondary cluster analysis with qualitative variables. Results: The analysis identified 10 countries (Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Vanuatu) as candidates for support. For each of the 10 selected countries, 10 support projects were proposed, considering the current status of shipping and ports in the country and national infrastructure development plans. Conclusions: The smooth progress of a project requires a consideration of the form and type of ODA support, support port facilities that can handle various cargo, and propose solutions to the problem of volume generation.

Japan and South Korea's engagement in the Chinese market post-RCEP implementation: A case study of the semiconductor industry

After the RCEP implementation in 2022, trade differences emerged between Japan and South Korea with China, especially in semiconductors. Japan's exports to China declined, while South Korea's grew. This study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to explain post-RCEP semiconductor trade differences, focusing on value chain complementarity, new tariff rates, and U.S. factors. Three conclusions: 1) Within the global value chain, the different positions of Japan and South Korea in the semiconductor sectors compared to China result in varying levels of market complementarity between Japan and China and South Korea and China; South Korea, in particular, exhibits a significantly higher potential market. 2) In terms of reducing tariff barriers under RCEP, compared to Japan, South Korea experienced a more substantial decline in semiconductor tariff rates in the Chinese market. 3) The non-tariff barrier sanctions imposed by the United States on Chinese semiconductors in 2022 influenced trade choices for Japan and South Korea. Japan, being more loyal to the United States, tends to align with U.S. policies, leading to a reduction in semiconductor trade with China.

Kenya’s macroeconomic policies and trade efficiency within the East African Community: A stochastic frontier analysis

Despite Kenya dominating trade volumes in the East African Community (EAC), it has been trading below its potential within the region. This is also in spite of the increased scope of the country’s trade opportunities resulting from the region’s increased market integration. Empirical evidence has shown that macroeconomic policies influence international trade flows. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the effect of macroeconomic policies on trade efficiency. The few existing studies on this topic have also used estimation techniques that depict efficiency as being drawn from an average level of trade and not the optimal level of trade, as well as also not separating the effects of inefficiencies from the statistical noises. This, therefore, creates a knowledge gap that this study aims at investigating by using the stochastic frontier gravity model (SFGM), to determine the effect of Kenya’s macroeconomic policies on its trade efficiency within the EAC. The study used annual panel secondary data for the period 2000 to 2021. This study finds that the GDP of Kenya and that of its EAC trading partners, the geographical distance and border significantly affects trade volume. It also finds that globalization plays a significant role in influencing Kenya’s trade. For the inefficiency model variables, exchange rate depreciation was found to significantly increase trade efficiency, while increase in tariff rate had an adverse and significant effect. Further, the study included corruption as a control variable and found that it significantly increases trade inefficiency. Kenya, though trading at an average efficiency level of 86.91 percent, was found to have high unexploited trade potentials within the region especially with Tanzania and Uganda. The study recommends that Kenya’s policymakers deliberately advance the macroeconomic policies that promote trade efficiency while at the same time closely monitor the ones that hinder efficiency.

Soybean overweight shock (SOS): The impact of trade liberalization in China on overweight prevalence

This study investigates the overweight effect of the soybean import shock (referred to as the soybean overweight shock or “SOS”) on China, the largest importer of soybeans worldwide. By using China's soybean import liberalization in 1996 as a natural experiment, which involved the removal of soybean tariff rate quota (TRQ) policy and a reduction in soybean import tariffs from 114% to 3%, we found significant SOS effects. The soybean import shock can account for 10.76% of the observed increase in overweight probability between 1989 and 2006. Mechanism analysis finds that the exposure to the soybean import shock leads to a significant decrease in the market price of soybean oil and an increase in soybean oil consumption, it also increases the likelihood of being overweight through dining out, eating food prepared outside, and eating fried foods. Additionally, we discovered stronger SOS effects in urban residents, females and individuals with relatively lower family income.

IoT-based smart net energy meter with advanced billing feature for residential buildings including solar PV system

Electricity consumption is rising across all industries. Residential electricity use dominates the sector. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on residential roofs are increasing quickly, notably in Dhaka, Bangladesh. PV power generation is high at peak sun irradiance. Due to light loads, residential structures use less electricity. PV system surplus electricity may be transmitted to the national grid. Residential customers may sell power to the government, lowering their electricity expense. Traditional energy meters make it difficult to calculate PV system consumption by load and grid injection. This is possible with net metering. Thus, this study presents an internet of things (IoT)-based smart net energy meter for home users to provide surplus solar PV power and consume grid electricity when needed. With the government's new power tariff rate, the net bill will be calculated automatically. A dedicated mobile application is used to monitor all the activities. The billing statement will be generated automatically, and the payment of that bill will be payable using a redirect link with the same mobile application. The suggested smart net energy meter will inform SMS/mobile app users of gas, smoke, and tempering. The suggested meter's performance and efficacy were evaluated using software simulation and hardware analysis.

Trade Liberalization, International Relocation of Firms, and Economic Growth

This paper presents a framework for understanding the role of global tariff rate reductions in affecting the world growth rate, given knowledge spillovers in research and development (R&D) and the relocation of firms. In particular, we highlight one aspect of the model: the international relocation of firms associated with a reduction in world tariff rates. This paper shows that, given the spillover effect of localized R&D knowledge, a simultaneous multilateral reduction in the common tariff rate increases the world growth rate through the relocation of firms.

Analysis of the Impact of Foreign Restriction Policies on the Development of New Energy Vehicles in China Based on DID Algorithm

The world is facing an energy and environmental crisis, and is therefore actively promoting energy conservation, emission reduction and green development, and new energy vehicles have thus become the focus of attention. These vehicles, which use electricity instead of oil, are crucial to achieving carbon neutrality and have gained global consensus. In recent years, new energy vehicles have led the transformation of the global automotive industry and contributed to the sustained growth of the world economy. China has achieved leapfrog development in this field, leading the world in terms of industry scale and technology, and its complete industrial chain has enhanced its leading position in the global transformation of automotive electrification. However, despite the fact that China's new energy vehicle industry chain is the most complete and has competitive advantages, it still faces challenges in exporting, such as high tariffs and restrictions in the US and Europe. In order to explore the impact of these boycott policies on China's new energy vehicle industry, this study constructs a double-difference model (DID) to analyze the impact of these policies with tariff rates of each country as the control variable, which is expected to provide valuable reference for China's new energy vehicle export strategy.

A cost-benefit analysis of mass prostate cancer screening

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) causes a substantial health and financial burden worldwide, underscoring the need for efficient mass screening approaches. This study attempts to evaluate the Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI) of PCa screening in Iran to offer insights for informed decision-making and resource allocation.MethodThe Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI) was calculated for four age groups (40 years and above) using a decision-analysis model. Two screening strategies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) solely and PSA with Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), were evaluated from the health system perspective. A retrospective assessment of 1402 prostate cancer (PCa) patients’ profiles were conducted, and direct medical and non-medical costs were calculated based on the 2021 official tariff rates, patient records, and interviews. The monetary value of mass screening was determined through Willingness to Pay (WTP) assessments, which served as a measure for the benefit aspect.ResultThe combined PSA and DRE strategy of screening is cost-effective, yields up to $3 saving in costs per case and emerges as the dominant strategy over PSA alone. Screening for men aged 70 and above does not meet economic justification, indicated by a negative Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI). The 40–49 age group exhibits the highest net benefit, $13.81 based on basic information and $13.54 based on comprehensive information. Sensitivity analysis strongly supports the cost-effectiveness of the combined screening approach.ConclusionThis study advocates prostate cancer screening with PSA and DRE, is economically justified for men aged 40–69. The results of the study recommend that policymakers prioritize resource allocation for PCa screening programs based on age and budget constraints. Men’s willingness to pay, especially for the 40–49 age group which had the highest net benefit, leverages their financial participation in screening services. Additionally, screening services for other age groups, such as 50–54 or 55–59, can be provided either for free or at a reduced cost.

A comparative assessment of policy induced diffusion pathways for utility scale solar PV: case study of Indonesia

Lack of effective policies hinder the uptake of Utility-scale solar PV, even though they are projected to play a pivotal role in achieving Indonesia's 2050 net-zero energy target. This study seeks to identify a cost-effective pathway to increase the capacity of utility-scale solar PV in Indonesia through supportive policies that ensure equitable cost distribution between the government and industry. A novel Market Penetration Optimization Model is developed and applied in simulation mode to assess existing policies, and optimization mode to determine new policy recommendations and compare three policy induced diffusion pathways. Results show that current price-based policies are insufficient to stimulate growth in the solar PV market, only covering ~13% of the investment cost required by the industry. Thus, necessitating a reactivation of Feed-in-Tariffs. The optimal tariffs rates required range from 0.39 to 1.47 cents/kWh for the most economic pathway during the initial 10-year post-construction period. The Innovation Diffusion Theory-based pathway necessitates the lowest initial investment cost while yielding the highest revenue from electricity sales, demonstrating its superior cost-effectiveness compared to both the supply-based and linear pathways. This study enriches the literature by exploring the financial implications of policy induced diffusion pathways.