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Factoryless Goods Producing Firms

Author

Listed:
  • Andrew B. Bernard
  • Teresa C. Fort

Abstract

This paper documents the existence and characteristics of US firms that do not manufacture themselves, but nonetheless are heavily involved in the production of goods. These factoryless goods producing firms (FGPFs) are formally in the wholesale sector but, unlike traditional wholesale firms, FGPFs design the goods they sell and coordinate production activities. FGPFs in the wholesale sector are larger and younger, pay higher wages, span more sectors and had more manufacturing employment in previous years compared to traditional wholesalers. FGPFs are more likely to import than typical wholesalers, though their imports constitute a smaller share of their total domestic activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew B. Bernard & Teresa C. Fort, 2015. "Factoryless Goods Producing Firms," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105(5), pages 518-523, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:105:y:2015:i:5:p:518-23
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.p20151044
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew B. Bernard & Teresa C. Fort, 2013. "Factoryless Goods Producers in the US," Working Papers 13-46, Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau.
    2. Andrew B. Bernard & Valerie Smeets & Frederic Warzynski, 2017. "Rethinking deindustrialization," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 32(89), pages 5-38.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce
    • M11 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Production Management

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