US excess demand for selected plastic goods: 1994-2003.

摘要

Elasticity of import demand is estimated for three selected plastic good categories for the period 1994-2003 that exhibit the largest growing trade deficits. Price and volume analysis was conducted to help determine price leaders and trends related to respective changes in market shares for the plastics goods. Price variables consist of the United States, China and a weighted price index for all other importing countries (Rest of World). China's growing market dominance in all three plastics goods categories justified its own pricing variable. The empirical findings indicate that the elasticity of demand for polyethylene bags was inelastic for all countries except for China, which was -1.47, blinds made of polyethylene were all inelastic and gloves made of rubber were all inelastic except for the Rest of World variable at -1.43.