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The trade facilitation impact of the Chinese diaspora

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  • Inmaculada Martínez‐Zarzoso
  • Robert Rudolf

Abstract

Using an enhanced data set on the population share of overseas Chinese in 1970 and 1990, this paper analyses the impact of the Chinese diaspora on facilitating China's bilateral trade during the period 1973–2013. Our findings suggest substantial trade creation effects resulting from the presence of ethnic Chinese in the trade partner population. Diaspora impacts on Chinese bilateral imports are in general higher than those found for exports. Coethnic networks play a larger role as long as the partner country does not have an RTA with China in place. Among export sectors, effects found were strongest for food, as well as for machinery and transport equipment. In regard to imports, coethnic networks matter mostly for raw materials, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals.

Suggested Citation

  • Inmaculada Martínez‐Zarzoso & Robert Rudolf, 2020. "The trade facilitation impact of the Chinese diaspora," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(9), pages 2411-2436, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:worlde:v:43:y:2020:i:9:p:2411-2436
    DOI: 10.1111/twec.12950
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    1. Joomi Jun & Takayuki Mizuno, 2022. "Analysis of Ethnic Homophily in International Trade Using Large-Scale Surname Data," The Review of Socionetwork Strategies, Springer, vol. 16(2), pages 399-415, October.

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