Dissecting the China Puzzle: Asymmetric liberalization and cost distortion

Yiping Huang*

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    26 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    We attempt to explain the China Puzzle, the coexistence of accelerating economic growth, and a worsening growth outlook. The root cause lies in China's unique liberalization approach, that is, the combination of a complete liberalization of product markets and continued distortions in factor markets. Repressed costs of labor, capital, land, and resources artificially raise the profits of production, increase the returns to investment, and improve the international competitiveness of Chinese products. The asymmetric liberalization approach not only promoted economic growth, but also caused structural risks. It also contributed to global imbalances as well as regional integration. Therefore, future reform policies should focus on the liberalization of the factor markets and the elimination of cost distortions.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)281-295
    Number of pages15
    JournalAsian Economic Policy Review
    Volume5
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2010

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