Trade policy preferences and cross-regional differences: Evidence from individual-level data of Japan

摘要

This study examines the determinants of trade policy preferences, using individual-level data of Japan. We focus on the role of regional factors, considering the fact that there is a significant difference in preferences among regions. The results reveal that people residing in a region with a high share of agricultural workers are likely to support import restrictions even if they do not engage in agriculture, which is the most protected sector in Japan. It is also found that the effect of agricultural workers share is significant for some people not considering migration, suggesting that inter-regional immobility affects their trade policy preferences.