Government Export Promotion Expenditures: Some Cost Estimates and Practical Considerations

Robert C. Shelburne, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Abstract

This article describes U.S. Government expenditures for export promotion activity. Estimates are presented by agency within the U.S. government and also by three types of activity-trade liberalizations, fixed costs public good market failures, and variable cost subsidies. The theoretical justifications for these programs are discussed and some problems in evaluating their cost effectiveness are examined.