A Nonlinear Stochastic Matrix Model for the Analysis of the Association between International Trade Growth and Environmental Change

Abstract

This study uses a nonlinear stochastic matrix for an in-depth analysis of the association between international trade growth and environmental change. First, for a class of uncertain stochastic nonlinear time-lag systems, this study investigates its time-lag-related robust stochastic stabilization problem. A memory-free state feedback controller for the system is then obtained to ensure the effectiveness of the system performance. This makes the system more general and the corresponding theoretical results less conservative. Finally, numerical examples are given to further verify the validity and feasibility of the results. The “tariff measure” based on the magnitude of adverse changes in trade policy is not an accurate measure of trade policy uncertainty; the stochastic volatility method measures trade policy uncertainty by including tariff fluctuations that have been communicated in advance in the trade policy uncertainty indicator and fail to identify the different commodities that occur during the current trade friction. The trade policy uncertainty index constructed through textual analysis of newspapers can better reflect the trade policy uncertainty during this trade friction between China and the United States, and the rich time-varying nature can also reflect the alternating changes of tension and détente in economic and trade relations over some time. The analysis of the mechanism reveals that exporters have fewer emission reduction facilities than nonexporters but significantly lower energy consumption intensity for coal and water than nonexporters, reasoning that the mechanism by which exporters are more environmentally friendly than nonexporters lies in their cleaner energy use mix. Following the conclusions of this study, relevant policy recommendations are put forward, specifically the use of more efficient energy sources in the production process and more investment in energy efficiency and emission reduction to combat pollution.