F1IP 4140 - Trade Policy

The objective of this course is to provide students the analytical tools that are essential to understand the effects of trade policy concerning international trade in goods and the rationale behind its implementation. Lectures will focus on the key topics that are at the center of the policy debate: why do countries adopt protectionist policies? What are the effects of a tariff, a quota, an export subsidy or an export restriction ? What is the impact of protectionist policy on consumers, producers and productive factors ? What can we say about the effects of protectionism on trade and welfare?
At the end of the course, students are expected to have a good knowledge of the mechanisms and predictions from the traditional models of trade policy, and from the Trade Policy Theory. Students will also be able to read simple research articles that can be used for the writing of policy notes. The 12 courses (24 hours) will be organized as follows: 10 lectures will be designed to deal with the main topics of the course. One lecture will be assigned to the mid-term exam. Finally, the last lecture will be used as a rehearsal to prepare the final exam.

Learning Outcomes

1. understand the implications of protectionism in trade in goods
2. understand why governments are permanently tempted by protectionist policies while economists are quite negative about their effects
3. understand and synthesize simple research articles
4. read graphs and apply simple statistical tools for empirical analysis

Professional Skills

Redaction of policy brief and/or empirical work
Research & Analysis
Critical thinking .

Antoine BOUET

Séminaire

English

- In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
- Reading and Preparation for Class: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester

Autumn 2025-2026

Students are expected to read several textbook chapters and articles before each lecture. Grades are based on a mid-term exam (50%), and a comprehensive final examination (50%).

Each lecture will take 2 hours, with a total of 24 hours. The 12 lectures will be dedicated to the study of the topics specified in the syllabus, 1 mid-term exam (2 hours), and 1 "rehearsal" session before the final exam. Each lecture will take the form of a seminar, powerpoint presentations will be available in advance. Even though no students' presentation is planned, students are strongly encouraged to ask questions, and show their interest for the topics that will be discussed.
I will quiz the students at each session and point out the areas they need to work on throughout the year. After the mid-term exam I'll take the time to explain how the students performed and what they still need to work on. Finally, before the final exam, a special session will be organised to go over the concepts they didn't understand well.