Ein am 5. Februar 2026 publizierter Artikel von australischen Wissenschaftlern im Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics referiert und bewertet die internationale gesundheitsökonomische Fachliteratur und kommt zu einem unterstützenden Urteil:

Just published: Sharma, A., Sinha, K. (2026). The Economics of a Sin Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. In: Zimmermann, K.F. (eds) Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics. Springer, Cham.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57365-6_298-1

ABSTRACT. The increasing global prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, represents a major public health challenge. This chapter reviews the effectiveness of price-based policy interventions, with a focus on taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), as a strategy to address these health concerns. By analyzing the evidence from simulation-based studies and real-world implementation, the chapter explores the application of economic theory to understand consumer behavior and the potential impacts of SSB taxes. Key considerations include the price sensitivity of SSB consumption, the substitution effects—both desirable and undesirable—on other food and beverage choices, and the distributional consequences across income levels and age groups. Additionally, the chapter evaluates the health benefits, such as reductions in obesity and chronic disease rates, as well as the economic benefits stemming from lower healthcare expenditures. The evidence indicates that well-implemented SSB taxes can effectively reduce consumption, improve population health outcomes, and generate significant government revenue, positioning them as a promising tool in the global effort to combat the NCD epidemic.

GLO Fellow Anurag Sharma is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, Australia. GLO Fellow Kompal Sinha is a Professor of Economics at Macquarie University, Australia, an Editor of the Journal of Population Economics and a Section Editor “Health” of the Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics published by Springer Nature.

 Economics of Obesity

Frisvold, D., Lensing, C. (2021). Economics of Obesity. In: Zimmermann, K.F. (eds) Handbook of Labor, Human Resources and Population Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57365-6_134-1

ABSTRACT. This chapter provides an overview of the levels, trends, causes, and consequences of obesity, related market failures, and the evidence of the impact of policies that could potentially address the market failures. More than 40% of adults in the United States are obese, and obesity-related healthcare accounts for over 20% of total annual medical expenditures. The decrease in the price of calorie-dense foods, which led to an increase in average calories consumed, is a primary cause of the rise in obesity since the 1970s. There are also significant market failures associated with obesity, including negative externalities due to pooled health insurance and asymmetric information between food producers and consumers. The presence of market failures provides support for government policies aimed at decreasing and preventing obesity. Public policy tactics to address this issue include price-based, information-based, and school-based policies. Of these, school-based policies may be the most effective as they help form healthy nutrition habits and prevent obesity in adulthood when healthcare costs are much higher. Overall, obesity rates remain high and continued government intervention is necessary to improve the market failures related to this epidemic.

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“Published in 1776, Adam Smith’s seminal work, The Wealth of Nations, laid the foundation for modern economic theory, advocating for the division of labor and free trade. Smith argued that specialization increases productivity and efficiency, leading to greater wealth for all. Free trade between countries follows the same principle: countries focus on producing what they do best and exchange goods and services freely, benefiting consumers with lower prices and better quality. Barriers such as tariffs disrupt this system, leading to inefficiency and economic losses.

Despite these well-respected insights, US President Donald Trump asserts that tariffs will “Make America Great Again”. He is once again pursuing a “reciprocal tariff” policy, imposing duties on imports from countries that have tariffs on US goods, claiming this will protect US industries and jobs while generating revenue.

However, economic realities contradict this view. Tariffs function as a tax on consumers and businesses, leading to higher prices and inflation. As import costs rise, manufacturers relying on foreign raw materials face increased production costs, often passing these costs on to consumers. Also, retaliatory tariffs by other countries harm US exporters, reducing market access and causing job losses in affected industries. The economic disruptions triggered by tariffs far outweigh any short-term revenue gains.

Reports indicate that the US’ reciprocal tariff policy disproportionately impacts major trade partners such as the European Union, Brazil and India. Among them, the EU may emerge as the “biggest loser”, as US tariffs target crucial sectors such as automobiles, where the EU holds a competitive edge. The EU’s auto industry, already facing challenges from electrification and regulatory pressures, could face more problems if its access to the US market is reduced.

However, the impact extends beyond automobiles. The machinery, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries are also vulnerable to trade barriers. Given that these sectors contribute significantly to the EU’s GDP and employment, prolonged tariff conflicts could lead to economic slowdown, job losses, and reduced investment.

At the same time, Chinese manufacturers have made significant progress in electric vehicle production and innovation, a challenge EU automakers are struggling to address.

Adding to the pressure, Trump is also pushing large EU companies to move production to the United States, arguing that it would create jobs and strengthen the US economy. Trump claims the EU exploits the US economically, but the fact is: while the US has a trade deficit with the EU in goods, the EU has a trade deficit with the US in services.

The US also benefits significantly from high-skilled immigration, including professionals from Europe and elsewhere in the world who contribute to US innovation and industry. Many of the most groundbreaking companies in Silicon Valley have been founded or led by immigrants, and numerous Nobel Prize winners in science and economics have come from abroad. For example, Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and SpaceX, grew up in South Africa, got his university education in Canada, and later built his business empire in the US.

A critical factor to consider is that the US threat to impose tariffs may be part of a strategic game to force the EU into making concessions, buying more US products, or increase imports of US oil and gas. The EU has several potential responses to the US’ trade pressures. It could use counter-tariff measures, making US goods more expensive in the EU markets.

But such measures risk escalating the trade conflict, eventually harming both economies. A more strategic response would be to diversify trade relations away from the US. The EU has already been pursuing trade agreements with Latin America, Canada and India, aiming to expand market access and reduce dependence on any single trading partner.

The EU and the four Mercosur (Southern Common Market) countries — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — recently reached a political agreement to develop a deep partnership. The EU is already Mercosur’s most important trade and investment partner. By deepening trade relations with China, the EU could further access a vast market for its exports, particularly in high-value industries such as automotive, luxury goods and pharmaceuticals. China, facing its own trade challenges with the US, is likely to welcome closer economic cooperation with the EU, potentially offering investment opportunities and reduced trade barriers.

In addition, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during her recent visit to India with a high-profile delegation, held detailed discussions on a free trade agreement with the country. The EU and India aim to sign the agreement by the end of the year, making it the largest trade deal of its kind anywhere in the world. The EU hopes to gain greater access to the Indian market for its cars and spirits, despite India’s traditionally high tariffs on these goods, and is pushing for a broader investment agreement.

However, negotiations on agriculture remain difficult, with both sides struggling to find common ground.

While the US seeks to exert economic pressure through tariffs, it is unlikely that the EU will be the biggest victim of these policies. The EU remains an economic powerhouse with a large internal market, and a strong and diversified export orientation. Unlike smaller economies that struggle to absorb trade shocks, the EU is resilient enough to adjust its trade strategy and mitigate the effects of US tariffs, while its commitment to multilateral trade agreements reinforces its ability to navigate economic challenges. Given these strengths, the US will find it difficult to effectively execute its tariff policy without facing significant domestic backlash.

As a result of these developments, the EU is likely to pursue greater strategic independence in economic and other foreign policy matters, including military issues. The shift away from its reliance on US trade could extend to defense cooperation and diplomatic alignment. Strengthening China-EU ties may again emerge as a strategic priority, with economic collaboration forming the basis of broader geopolitical engagement.

While recent discussions have focused on reducing dependence on China in key supply chains, the practical need for stable trade relations may override decoupling efforts. As the EU seeks to hedge long-term risks, China will have an opportunity to enhance its standing and influence within the region. Additionally, the EU may develop a long-term strategy to attract and retain high-skilled migrants, ensuring that its own innovation ecosystem remains competitive compared with that of the US.

Ultimately, the US’ reciprocal tariff policy may backfire, not only weakening its own economy but also accelerating the EU’s shift toward a more diversified and independent global strategy. The EU’s response will shape the future of international trade, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships and economic resilience in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.”

Published on March 19, 2025 in: China Daily, p. 9. Online & PDF as Boost China-EU trade to nullify US tariffs.

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Religiosity, Smoking and Other Addictive Behaviors
by Roman, Monica & Zimmermann, Klaus F. & Plopeanu, Aurelian-Petruș

Published: Journal of Economics, Management and Religion (JEMAR), Vol. 3, No. 2 (2022), 2250001. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2737436X22500017

OPEN ACCESS FREE PDF

Abstract: While under communism the identity-providing religion was suppressed, religiosity is strong today even among the youth in post-communist countries. This provides an appropriate background to investigate how external and internal religiosity relates to risky behaviors like smoking, drinking, and drugs among the young. This study shows that not religion as such or internal religiosity, but largely observable (external) religiosity prevents them from wallowing in those vices. While this is found strongly for both males and females, those females doubting or reflecting religion show a somewhat smaller risky activity. 

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In the spirit of the GLO Mission, the GLO VirtYS program’s goal is to contribute to the development of the future generation of researchers, who are committed to the creation of policy-relevant research, are well equipped to work in collaboration with policy makers and other stakeholders, and adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. This goal is achieved through the process of working on a specific research paper within the duration of the program, which is 9 months, and interact with the GLO VirtYS cohort and advisors.

Under the leadership of GLO VirtYS Program Director Olena Nizalova, the participants have virtually met with GLO officials and advisors on November 10 2021 for a warm welcome and first interactions. GLO President Klaus F. Zimmermann and GLO Director Matloob Piracha made introductory remarks. Program participants presented their research plans.

The following program participants have been appointed GLO Affiliate:

Zubaria Andlib, Shweta Bahl, Karla Cordova, María Celeste Gómez, Guo Liwen and Subhasree Sarkar

This is an all-female group.

GLO VirtYS Advisors for this cohort are:

Catalina Amuedo-Dorantes, Xi Chen, Elena Meschi, Sergio Scicchitano, Eva Sierminska, and Maria Enrica Virgillito

Snapshot from the first meeting:

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Stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and trust

by Abel Brodeur, Idaliya Grigoryeva & Lamis Kattan

Published ONLINE FIRST 2021: Journal of Population Economics
ACCESS. FREE READLINK: https://rdcu.be/cmSoY

Author Abstract: A clear understanding of community response to government decisions is crucial for policy makers and health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we document the determinants of implementation and compliance with stay-at-home orders in the USA, focusing on trust and social capital. Using cell phone data measuring changes in non-essential trips and average distance traveled, we find that mobility decreases significantly more in high-trust counties than in low-trust counties after the stay-at-home orders are implemented, with larger effects for more stringent orders. We also provide evidence that the estimated effect on post-order compliance is especially large for confidence in the press and governmental institutions, and relatively smaller for confidence in medicine and in science.

Journal of Population Economics
Access to the recently published Volume 34, Issue 3, July 2021.

LEAD ARTICLE OF ISSUE 3, 2021:
The safest time to fly: pandemic response in the era of Fox News
by Maxim Ananyev, Michael Poyker and Yuan Tian

OPEN ACCESS: Free Readlink – Download PDF

The Global Labor Organization (GLO) is an independent, non-partisan and non-governmental organization that functions as an international network and virtual platform to stimulate global research, debate and collaboration.

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The Global Labor Organization (GLO) is an independent, non-partisan and non-governmental organization that functions as an international network and virtual platform to stimulate global research, debate and collaboration.

GLO Discussion Paper No. 849, 2021

The Significance of Herzberg and Taylor for the Gig Economy of China: Evaluating Gigger Incentives for Meituan and Ele.me – Download PDF
by Mukhopadhyay, Boidurjo Rick & Chatwin, Chris R.

GLO Fellow Boidurjo Rick Mukhopadhyay

Author Abstract: This article investigates the motivation of contingent workers in the gig economy of China, particularly focusing on the two Mobile Food Delivery Aggregators (MFDA) – Meituan and Ele.me that controls over 80% of the food delivery market in China. The convenience of one ‘super-app’ on phone, offered by each of these companies, allows users to order a diversified range of products and services starting from food, clothing to travel booking and ride-hailing. Online food ordering, however, tops the chart of online orders and this creates millions of food delivery rider jobs/gigs in mainland China. This paper draws key insights from the employee motivation theories by Herzberg and Taylor which underpins the findings and thematic discussion of this qualitative paper. While it is important to recognise that the usage growth of these MFDAs and consequently new gig creation is exponentially growing, the implications of this research would inform these online platform-based companies how to better design motivational factors or incentives to boost their employee satisfaction, engagement and levels of commitments in the colossal Gig economy of mainland China.

GLO Discussion Papers are research and policy papers of the GLO Network which are widely circulated to encourage discussion. Provided in cooperation with EconStor, a service of the ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, GLO Discussion Papers are among others listed in RePEc (see IDEAS,  EconPapers). Complete list of all GLO DPs – downloadable for free.

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The Global Labor Organization (GLO) is an independent, non-partisan and non-governmental organization that functions as an international network and virtual platform to stimulate global research, debate and collaboration.

GLO Discussion Paper No. 835, 2021

Effects of Mandatory Military Service on Wages and Other Socioeconomic Outcomes – Download PDF
by Puhani, Patrick A. & Sterrenberg, Margret K.

GLO Fellow Patrick Puhani

Author Abstract: In this paper, we estimate the effects of mandatory military service by exploiting the post-cold war decrease in the need for soldiers causing a substantial number of potential conscripts not to be drafted into the German military. Specifically, using previously unavailable information on degree of fitness in the military’s medical exam as a control variable, we test for the effects of mandatory military service on wages; employment; marriage/partnership status; and satisfaction with work, financial situation, health, family life, friends, and life in general. We find almost no statistically significant effects of this 6 to 9 month career interruption for young German men, with the exception of hourly wage, which shows a negative point estimate of -15 percent with a large confidence interval of between -30 and -0.2 percent. This interval estimate is consistent with previous findings for the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

GLO Discussion Papers are research and policy papers of the GLO Network which are widely circulated to encourage discussion. Provided in cooperation with EconStor, a service of the ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, GLO Discussion Papers are among others listed in RePEc (see IDEAS,  EconPapers). Complete list of all GLO DPs – downloadable for free.

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The Global Labor Organization (GLO) is an independent, non-partisan and non-governmental organization that functions as an international network and virtual platform to stimulate global research, debate and collaboration.

GLO Discussion Paper No. 834, 2021

Assessing gender gaps in employment and earnings in Africa: the case of Eswatini – Download PDF
by Brixiová Schwidrowski, Zuzana & Imai, Susumu & Kangoye, Thierry & Yameogo, Nadege Desiree

GLO Fellow Zuzana Brixiová Schwidrowskia

Author Abstract: Persistent gender gaps characterize labor markets in many African countries. Utilizing Eswatini’s first three labor market surveys (conducted in 2007, 2010, and 2013), this paper provides first systematic evidence on the country’s gender gaps in employment and earnings. We find that women have notably lower employment rates and earnings than men, even though the global financial crisis had a less negative impact on women than it had on men. Both unadjusted and unexplained gender earnings gaps are higher in self-employment than in wage employment. Tertiary education and urban location account for a large part of the gender earnings gap and mitigate high female propensity to self-employment. Our findings suggest that policies supporting female higher education and rural-urban mobility could reduce persistent inequalities in Eswatini’s labor market outcomes as well as in other middle-income countries in southern Africa.

GLO Discussion Papers are research and policy papers of the GLO Network which are widely circulated to encourage discussion. Provided in cooperation with EconStor, a service of the ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, GLO Discussion Papers are among others listed in RePEc (see IDEAS,  EconPapers). Complete list of all GLO DPs – downloadable for free.

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Source article: statista – LINK

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