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Examining the Effects of Trade Liberalisation Using a Gravity Model Approach

Author

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  • Sertić Martina Basarac

    (Economic Research Division, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ante Kovačića 5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Vučković Valentina
  • Andabaka Ana

    (Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb, Trg J. F. Kennedyja 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to study the impact of trade liberalisation in Croatia as one of the first structural reforms being implemented, covering the period from 2000 to 2021. The panel data model was specified using a two-step system generalised method of moment estimator. The obtained results show that trade liberalisation measured through the specific indices encompassing a broader set of both tariff and non-tariff barriers, size of the trade sector, freedom of foreign exchange market, and capital controls positively impacted export performance. The results also showed a negative and statistically significant effect of remoteness on trade, confirming that geographical distance is an essential indicator of transportation costs. The coefficient for Schengen accession was positive and statistically significant, indicating that the Schengen agreement has boosted exports and that we can expect the same for Croatia, especially in the context of simultaneous accession to the Eurozone and the Schengen area on 1 January 2023.

Suggested Citation

  • Sertić Martina Basarac & Vučković Valentina & Andabaka Ana, 2024. "Examining the Effects of Trade Liberalisation Using a Gravity Model Approach," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 18(1), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:econoa:v:18:y:2024:i:1:p:12:n:1
    DOI: 10.1515/econ-2022-0061
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    international trade; European Union; Schengen; Croatia; GMM;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • F53 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Agreements and Observance; International Organizations
    • F62 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - Macroeconomic Impacts

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