Subsidy Estimation: A Survey of Current Practice
156 Pages Posted: 1 Aug 2010 Last revised: 19 Aug 2010
Date Written: June 1, 2010
Abstract
This document is a technical manual addressed primarily to those individuals who are interested in preparing estimates of subsidies to particular products or sectors. It draws together the different valuation methods that are used and have been published, mainly by intergovernmental organizations and governments. While for most estimation methods the manual quotes multiple sources, often the approaches do not actually differ fundamentally, and users may simply want to refer to the one that makes most sense to them. In cases where they do differ markedly, users should choose whichever method best serves their purposes and can be implemented with the available data.
The manual is also intended to kick-start a dialogue on reconciling differences between methods, providing guidance on when each should be used and establishing best-practice recommendations, with the ultimate goal that a set of international standards is agreed for estimating subsidy elements, and for preparing and using aggregates and derived indicators. For a user-friendly introduction to the manual, explaining which methods should be used to estimate which kinds of subsidies, please see our related policy brief, "A How-to Guide: Measuring subsidies to fossil-fuel producers."
Keywords: subsidies, estimation, measurement
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation