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Openness To Trade And Industry Cost Dispersion: Evidence From A Panel Of Italian Firms

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  • Massimo Del Gatto
  • Gianmarco I. P. Ottaviano
  • Marcello Pagnini

Abstract

ABSTRACT We use Italian firm‐level data to investigate the impact of trade openness on the distribution of firms across marginal cost levels. In so doing, we implement a procedure that allows us to control not only for the standard transmission bias identified in firm‐level TFP regressions but also for the omitted price bias due to imperfect competition. We find that more open industries are characterized by a smaller dispersion of costs across active firms. Moreover, in those industries the average cost is also smaller.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo Del Gatto & Gianmarco I. P. Ottaviano & Marcello Pagnini, 2008. "Openness To Trade And Industry Cost Dispersion: Evidence From A Panel Of Italian Firms," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(1), pages 97-129, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jregsc:v:48:y:2008:i:1:p:97-129
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9787.2008.00546.x
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    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • R13 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General Equilibrium and Welfare Economic Analysis of Regional Economies

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