Yan Li;Yanlai Ma;Shuxuan Li;Haifeng Li;

• 1:National Institute of Fiscal Study
• 2:Tsinghua University
• 3:Investment Research Institute
• 4:National Development and Reform Commission

Abstract：

As a significant component of corporate costs in China, pension insurance contributions have received insufficient attention regarding to their cost-transfer mechanisms to product prices and subsequent effects on product competitiveness. This study examines the impact of pension insurance contribution rate reforms on enterprise exports, exploring transmission mechanisms through consumer price transfers(export product pricing). Our findings reveal that substantial inter-city disparities exist, with coastal regions maintaining lower rates compared to Northeast China and Tibet, whereas state-owned enterprises have higher contribution rates with smaller regional variations. Besides, higher pension contribution rates significantly reduce both export probability(extensive margin) and export volume(intensive margin), with diminished effects observed among larger, more established enterprises and industries with higher marketization levels. Furthermore, mechanism analysis demonstrates tripartite transmission channels: pension costs affect export performance through price pass-through to consumers, aggravated financing constraints, and structural labor adjustments. The study concludes that excessive pension contribution rates ultimately transfer to consumers via price increases, undermining corporate competitiveness in international markets and impeding trade's pivotal role in economic development.

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Abstract:

Keywords:

Foundation: 北京市社会科学基金青年项目（项目批准号：21JJC020）的资助

Authors: Yan Li;Yanlai Ma;Shuxuan Li;Haifeng Li;

References：

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• (1)比如企业可能通过以高学历职工替代低学历职工的方式,提高企业职工平均生产率,而工资却不作相应调整。 (2)电话咨询主要是通过各地12333社保服务热线、各地人力资源和社会保障局、各省人力资源和社会保障厅等咨询相关人员;网页搜索主要是通过劳动法宝网、北大法宝网、各地市政府网站、市人社局网站、市统计局网站等搜索相关信息。 (3)人力资源社会保障部对政协十三届全国委员会第三次会议第0344号(经济发展类032号)提案的答复,http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/fdzdgknr/zhgl/jytabl/tadf/202101/t20210112_407495.html。 (4)2018年12月25日,白重恩在人文清华论坛发表名为《中国经济何处破局》的主题演讲。