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Globalization and the Size Distribution of Multiproduct Firms

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  • Nocke, Volker
  • Yeaple, Stephen

Abstract

We develop a theory of multiproduct firms to analyze the effects of globalization on the distributions of firm size, scope, and productivity. In the model, firms are heterogeneous in how well they cope with expanding their product range. The model generates a negative relationship between firm size and market-to-book ratio, thus explaining the "size-discount puzzle" found in the data. Globalization induces a merger wave that leads to an improvement in average productivity. This improvement is not due to selection effects but rather due to product-level productivity effects. The model predicts that globalization leads to a flattening of the size distribution of firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Nocke, Volker & Yeaple, Stephen, 2008. "Globalization and the Size Distribution of Multiproduct Firms," CEPR Discussion Papers 6948, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:6948
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marc J. Melitz & Giancarlo I. P. Ottaviano, 2021. "Market Size, Trade, and Productivity," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Firms and Workers in a Globalized World Larger Markets, Tougher Competition, chapter 4, pages 87-108, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
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    13. Marcus Asplund & Volker Nocke, 2003. "Firm Turnover in Imperfectly Competitive Markets," PIER Working Paper Archive 03-010, Penn Institute for Economic Research, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Hartmut Egger & Michael Koch, 2011. "Labor Unions and the Scale and Scope of Multi-Product Firms," Working Papers 097, Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE).
    2. Qiu, Larry D. & Zhou, Wen, 2013. "Multiproduct firms and scope adjustment in globalization," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(1), pages 142-153.
    3. John Hutchinson & Jozef Konings & Patrick Walsh, 2010. "The Firm Size Distribution and Inter-Industry Diversification," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 37(2), pages 65-82, September.
    4. Ma, Yue & Tang, Heiwai & Zhang, Yifan, 2014. "Factor Intensity, product switching, and productivity: Evidence from Chinese exporters," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(2), pages 349-362.
    5. Sanne Hiller, 2013. "Does immigrant employment matter for export sales? Evidence from Denmark," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 149(2), pages 369-394, June.
    6. Lu, Yi & Tao, Zhigang & Zhang, Yan, 2018. "How do exporters adjust export product scope and product mix to react to antidumping?," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 20-41.
    7. Hartmut Egger & Michael Koch, 2012. "Labour unions and multi-product firms in closed and open economies," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 45(4), pages 1456-1479, November.
    8. Jung, Jaewon & Mercenier, Jean, 2014. "On modeling task, skill and technology upgrading effects of globalization with heterogeneous labor," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 39(C), pages 49-62.
    9. Tan, Yong & Han, Jian & Ma, Yeqing, 2015. "Multi-product firms, product scope, and the policy of export tax rebate," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 33-46.
    10. Aya Elewa, 2018. "Mixed Market Structure, Competition and Market Size: How Does Product Mix Respond?," Working Papers 1245, Economic Research Forum, revised 28 Oct 2018.
    11. Hariprasad Govinda, 2016. "Competition, Openness and Inequality of Firm Size in the Indian Manufacturing," Foreign Trade Review, , vol. 51(1), pages 81-97, February.
    12. Sari, Dyah Wulan & Restikasari, Wenny & Ajija, Shochrul Rohmatul & Tarbiyah Islamia, Haura Azzara & Muchtar, Darmawati, 2021. "The Impacts of Foreign Direct Investment and Export Expansion on the Performance of the High-Tech Manufacturing Industry," Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, vol. 55(2), pages 91-105.
    13. Lorz Oliver & Wrede Matthias, 2009. "Trade and Variety in a Model of Endogenous Product Differentiation," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 9(1), pages 1-14, November.
    14. Ana M. Fernandes & Caroline Paunov, 2013. "Does trade stimulate product quality upgrading?," Canadian Journal of Economics, Canadian Economics Association, vol. 46(4), pages 1232-1264, November.
    15. Pierce, Justin R., 2011. "Plant-level responses to antidumping duties: Evidence from U.S. manufacturers," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(2), pages 222-233.
    16. Lopresti, John, 2016. "Multiproduct firms and product scope adjustment in trade," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 160-173.
    17. Pierce, Justin R., 2011. "Plant-level responses to antidumping duties: Evidence from U.S. manufacturers," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(2), pages 222-233.
    18. Ling-Yun He & Kai-Lin Cai, 2023. "Going Green: Evidence from Product-Level Exports and Firms’ Environmental Performance in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-19, October.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Firm heterogeneity; Firm size distribution; Merger wave; Multiproduct firms; Productivity; Size discount; Trade liberalization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration

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