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Export Quality in Advanced and Developing Economies: Evidence from a New Data Set

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Henn

    (IMF)

  • Chris Papageorgiou

    (IMF)

  • Jose Manuel Romero

    (The World Bank)

  • Nikola Spatafora

    (IMF)

Abstract

This paper develops new estimates of export quality, based on bilateral data, which are far more extensive than previous efforts. The data cover 166 countries and more than 800 products over the period 1962–2014. The analysis finds that, within any given product line, export quality on average converges rapidly across countries. However, there is also significant cross-country heterogeneity in the growth rate of quality. Institutional quality, liberal trade policies, foreign direct investment inflows, and human capital all promote quality upgrading, although their impacts vary across sectors.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Henn & Chris Papageorgiou & Jose Manuel Romero & Nikola Spatafora, 2020. "Export Quality in Advanced and Developing Economies: Evidence from a New Data Set," IMF Economic Review, Palgrave Macmillan;International Monetary Fund, vol. 68(2), pages 421-451, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:imfecr:v:68:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1057_s41308-020-00110-8
    DOI: 10.1057/s41308-020-00110-8
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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