The Effect of Special 301 on US Trade Volume

Abstract

The Special 301 Report, issued by the United States Department of State, is a list of countries of which private companies violate international intellectual property rights laws. The State Department would mediate with the listed countries on trade. This study concentrates on the relationship between the Special 301 listed countries and the international trade of the United States. Based on time series data of the absolute value of US net exports from 1973 to 2013, the findings indicate the Special 301 Report does have a positive impact on the volume of US international trade.