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Sources of Comparative Advantages in Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Beatriz Muriel

    (PUC-Rio)

  • Cristina Terra

    (THEMA - Université de Cergy-Pontoise - EPGE - Fundação Getulio Vargas)

Abstract

Based on the Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek model, this paper investigates relative factor abundance in Brazil, as revealed by its international trade. We study two different time periods: one characterized by high trade barriers (1980 to 1985) and the trade liberalization period (1990 to 1995). Two alternative methodologies are used: the estimation of factor intensity regressions on net exports and the direct computation of factor content in net exports. In the factor intensity regression, we incorporate techno- logical changes that might have occurred over time, and those turned out to be significant. Both methods yield the same results: the Brazilian in- ternational trade reveals relative abundance in capital, land and unskilled labor, and scarcity in skilled labor, with qualitatively equivalent results for the two time periods studied.

Suggested Citation

  • Beatriz Muriel & Cristina Terra, 2008. "Sources of Comparative Advantages in Brazil," THEMA Working Papers 2008-12, THEMA (THéorie Economique, Modélisation et Applications), Université de Cergy-Pontoise.
    • Handle: RePEc:ema:worpap:2008-12
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Pedro Moncarz & Marcelo Olarreaga & Marcel Vaillant, 2016. "Regionalism as Industrial Policy: Evidence from MERCOSUR," Review of Development Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(1), pages 359-373, February.
    2. Fally, Thibault & Paillacar, Rodrigo & Terra, Cristina, 2010. "Economic geography and wages in Brazil: Evidence from micro-data," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(1), pages 155-168, January.
    3. Laura Hering & Rodrigo Paillacar, 2016. "Does Access to Foreign Markets Shape Internal Migration? Evidence from Brazil," The World Bank Economic Review, World Bank Group, vol. 30(1), pages 78-103.
    4. Osama Elsalih & Kamil Sertoglu & Mustafa Besim, 2021. "Determinants of comparative advantage of crude oil production: Evidence from OPEC and non‐OPEC countries," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(3), pages 3972-3983, July.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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