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International trade with binary preferences and heterogeneous productivity

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  • Lin, Kefu
  • Zeng, Dao-Zhi

Abstract

This study constructs a trade model between a developed and a developing country with binary preferences and heterogeneous productivity, finding that firm selection brings four new results with the possibility of arbitrage. First, we observe a price reversal, such that the price in the developed (high-income) country is lower than that in the developing (low-income) country. Second, we demonstrate the existence of export-only firms in the developing country due to the significant cross-country price differential; additionally, some firms in the developed country do not export despite having the ability. Third, the selection effect of domestic supply is stronger in the small country when trade is more liberalized. Finally, a higher degree of heterogeneity simultaneously enlarges the gains from trade in the developed country and losses from trade in the developing country.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin, Kefu & Zeng, Dao-Zhi, 2023. "International trade with binary preferences and heterogeneous productivity," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:122:y:2023:i:c:s0264999323000482
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2023.106236
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Binary preferences; Heterogeneous productivity; Selection; Arbitrage; Export-only firms; Price reversal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F60 - International Economics - - Economic Impacts of Globalization - - - General
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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