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Does Offshoring Pay? Firm‐Level Evidence From Japan

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  • ALEXANDER HIJZEN
  • TOMOHIKO INUI
  • YASUYUKI TODO

Abstract

This article explores the impact of offshoring on productivity using firm‐level data for the Japanese manufacturing industries during the period 1994–2000. We find that intrafirm offshoring, that is, sourcing of intermediate inputs to foreign affiliates within a particular multinational firm, has generally a positive effect on productivity of the offshoring firm, while arm’s‐length offshoring, that is, sourcing to unaffiliated foreign firms, does not have such an effect. In addition, the impact of arm’s‐length offshoring is negative for nonmultinationals and nonexporters but nonnegative for multinationals and exporters. These results suggest that the costs of searching foreign firms suitable for offshoring are nonnegligible. (JEL F14, L23)

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Hijzen & Tomohiko Inui & Yasuyuki Todo, 2010. "Does Offshoring Pay? Firm‐Level Evidence From Japan," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 48(4), pages 880-895, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:48:y:2010:i:4:p:880-895
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-7295.2008.00175.x
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    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production

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