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On the connection between intra-temporal and intertemporal trade

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  • Wei, Shang-Jin
  • Shi, Kang
  • Ju, Jiandong

Abstract

Sticky (or slow-adjusting) current accounts are observed for many countries. This paper explores the role of domestic factor market flexibility in understanding the phenomenon. To do so, we consider multiple tradable sectors with different factor intensities and allow substitution between intertemporal trade (current account adjustment) and intra-temporal trade (goods trade) in a dynamic general equilibrium model. An economy?s response to a shock generally involves a combination of a change in the composition of goods trade and a change in the current account. Flexible factor markets reduce the need for the current account to adjust. On the other hand, the more rigid the factor markets, the larger the size of current account adjustment relative to the volume of goods trade, and the slower the speed of adjustment of the current account towards its long-run equilibrium. We present empirical evidence in support of the theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei, Shang-Jin & Shi, Kang & Ju, Jiandong, 2012. "On the connection between intra-temporal and intertemporal trade," CEPR Discussion Papers 8838, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:8838
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    Cited by:

    1. Shi, Kang, 2011. "Sectoral labor adjustment and monetary policy in a small open economy," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 634-643.
    2. Ju, Jiandong & Shi, Kang & Wei, Shang-Jin, 2021. "Trade reforms and current account imbalances," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    3. Wei, Shang-Jin & Shi, Kang & Ju, Jiandong, 2013. "Trade Reforms and Current Account Imbalances: When Does the General Equilibrium Effect Overturn a Partial Equilibrium Intuition," CEPR Discussion Papers 9293, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Ju, Jiandong & Shi, Kang & Wei, Shang-Jin, 2021. "Trade reforms and current account imbalances," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    5. George Sorg-Langhans & Clemens Struck & Adnan Velic, 2017. "On the Factor Content of Trade," Trinity Economics Papers tep0817, Trinity College Dublin, Department of Economics, revised Jan 2018.
    6. repec:zbw:bofitp:2013_025 is not listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Current account; Intertemporal trade; Labor market rigidity; Trade balance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F3 - International Economics - - International Finance
    • F4 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance

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