Expo 2015: an impact analysis on international trade

In the last decades an increasing number of countries candidates to host a mega-event. This paper analyze (in the light of Expo Milan will host in 2015) if an exposition impacts in a significant manner on interna-tional trade, justifying countries’ interest in their organization. Based on performed analysis using gravity model, we conclude that a permanent and significant exposition effect exists on host country international trade flows; it involve both an increase of exports and an increase of imports, pointing out a commercial openness of host country; this effect exists also for candidates countries. So, we propose an hypothesis about the nature of exposition impact on international trade: it’s interpretable as a true and proper political and in-stitutional signal with which host country sends a signal to general public of a liberalisation process of its commerce in progress, showing own competences, abilities, means and resources. In the light of results, we point out potentialities and risks of Expo Milan 2015.