Individual Characteristics,Behavioral Biases,and Trade Policy Preferences: Evidence from a Survey in Japan |
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| Authors: | Eiichi Tomiura Banri Ito Hiroshi Mukunoki Ryuhei Wakasugi |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Economics, Yokohama National University, Yokohama City, Japan;2. Senshu University, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan;3. Gakushuin University, Mejiro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan;4. Yoshidahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan;5. Yokohama National University |
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| Abstract: | Import liberalization is one of the most actively debated issues in trade policy. This paper examines how trade policy preferences are related to individual characteristics based on a survey in Japan. Among 10,000 surveyed individuals, people working in non‐agricultural sectors, those working in managerial occupations, or those above retirement age tend to favor freer imports. This paper also finds that people who are influenced by the status quo bias are likely to oppose import liberalization even after controlling for each individual's various characteristics, suggesting that neither income compensation nor insurance schemes are sufficient for expanding support for free trade. |
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