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Discrete trade

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  • Lashkaripour, Ahmad

Abstract

International quality specialization (IQS) and pricing-to-market (PTM) are two of the most studied phenomena in international trade. I present new evidence that PTM and IQS are significantly more pronounced in discrete industries that involve indivisible consumption goods. In light of this observation, I develop a generalized model of international trade that accommodates both discrete and continuous industries. I argue that IQS and PTM in discrete industries are magnified by (i) affordability constraints, and (ii) cross-country differences in the price of non-traded services—both of which are less relevant in continuous industries. This prediction finds support from micro-level trade data. I then map the discrete model to macro-level data and show that the unique forces underlying the model shed fresh light on the gains from trade and the “big-push” effects of globalization.

Suggested Citation

  • Lashkaripour, Ahmad, 2020. "Discrete trade," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:126:y:2020:i:c:s0022199620300799
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2020.103363
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