Trade Tariffs and Corporate Greenwashing: Evidence from Chinese A-Share Listed Firms

Using data on Chinese A-share firms from 2009 to 2023, we examine how import tariff exposure is related to corporate greenwashing. We combine tariff and customs data with annual reports and environmental penalty records. Greenwashing is measured by the gap between environmental disclosure and penalties relative to peers. Random-effects logit estimates show that lower tariff exposure is associated with a higher likelihood of this gap. This relationship varies with media attention, managerial incentives, and fund occupation. The findings do not prove that firms intend to mislead or that tariffs improve the environment.