The inefficiency of interest-rate subsidies in commodity price stabilization

Abstract

Interest-rate subsidies have been used to stimulate commodity stockholding, with the intention of stabilizing prices. However, reductions in price variability can be achieved at less government cost using a direct storage subsidy, and it is possible that an interest-rate subsidy will increase price variability even though the interest subsidy increases mean stocks held. These results are demonstrated using a stochastic dynamic programming model of optimal private storage, with parameter values relevant to agricultural commodity markets, and with particular reference to the U.S. soybean market.