Purpose:
TRIST is an interactive Excel based tool to simulate the short term impacts of tariff reform on fiscal revenue, imports, protection and domestic output and employment. Its purpose is to allow policymakers to quickly evaluate the adjustment costs associated with trade policy decisions. Setup:
TRIST is based on import and tariff, VAT and excise revenue data at the tariff line (HS 8 digit) level, broken down by trading partner groups. Import responses to tariff changes are modeled in a partial equilibrium framework taking into account substitution of imports from different sources, substitution of domestic production with imports and the effect of tariff liberalization on overall demand. Advantages:
TRIST is … Based on data for actually collected revenue so collection efficiency and exemptions can be taken into account Flexible enough to incorporate any tariff reform scenario Policy relevant: It allows to users simulate the impact of tariff reform on total fiscal revenue (including VAT and excise) and revenue results are broken down to the product level so products that are sensitive in terms of revenue impact can be identified. Results for changes in imports, protection and domestic output and employment can help to analyze the impact of tariff reform at sector level. Transparent: The whole tool is set up in Excel so all formulas and calculation steps are visible for the user. It is open-source in the sense that users are free to change, extend or improve according to their needs Simple to use: The underlying modeling is intuitive and simulations can be made by anyone within minutes once the appropriate tariff scenarios have been entered
How to get it:
TRIST can be downloaded free of charge at page: http://go.worldbank.org/2P8FPC0760(click on relevant country). Users should register themselves by sending an email to Erik von Uexkull at jvonuexkull@worldbank.orgto be included in an email list for discussion and future updates.
Who made TRIST?
TRIST was developed by Paul Brenton, Mombert Hoppe, Erik von Uexkull and Olivier Jammes at the International Trade Department of the World Bank. All questions and comments can be directed to Erik von Uexkull at the email address cited above. So far, TRISTs have been developed for Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria and Mauritius. They differ in terms of data availability and level of development of the tool. Bolivia (zip file - 40mb) - updated on May 21, 2008
Ethiopia (zip file - 24.5mb) updated on June 26, 2008 Malawi (zip file - 24mb) - updated on May 21, 2008 Mauritius (zip file - 34mb) updated on July 2, 2008 Zambia (zip file - 30mb) - updated on May 21, 2008
Spreadsheets as used in: Brenton, Hoppe and von Uexkull (2007): Evaluating the Revenue Effects of Trade Policy Options for COMESA Countries: the Impacts of a Customs Union and an EPA with the European Union, (forthcoming) [download]
If you experience problems with the download or for any questions please contact Erik von Uexkull at jvonuexkull@worldbank.org
Last updated on July 7, 2008 |
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