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Can Multistage Production Explain the Home Bias in Trade?

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  • Kei-Mu Yi

Abstract

A large empirical literature finds that there is too little international trade and too much intranational trade to be rationalized by observed international trade costs, such as tariffs and transport costs. This paper investigates whether a model in which the nature of production can change in response to trade costs -- a framework with multistage production -- can better explain the home bias in trade. The calibrated model can explain about two-fifths of the Canada border effect, about two-and-one-half times that of a model with one production stage. The model also explains a significant fraction of Canada-US "back-and- forth," or vertical specialization, trade. (JEL F11, F13, F14)

Suggested Citation

  • Kei-Mu Yi, 2010. "Can Multistage Production Explain the Home Bias in Trade?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 100(1), pages 364-393, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:100:y:2010:i:1:p:364-93
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.100.1.364
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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