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Trade Facilitation And Firms: A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Mwangelwa SIBUPIWA

    (Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia, Zambia)

  • Abubaker QUTIESHAT

    (ODC, Oman & University of Dundee, UK)

Abstract

Trade facilitation is a topic that has garnered a lot of interest and attention in the last few decades especially in light of the multilateral trading system of the World Trade Organization. However, while existing literature has generally approached the topic from a macroeconomic perspective, the effects of trade facilitation from a firm perspective have generally received less attention. This is regardless of the fact that firms and businesses are generally the main players in the international trade space. This paper thus sought to develop an understanding of the effects of trade facilitation on firms by conducting a literature review of existing research on the topic. Therefore, through the review of papers authored in a period of 21 years, it is established that research in this area of trade facilitation is still in its infancy. However, works done so far reveal that trade facilitation reduces the costs incurred by firms which in turn encourages firm productivity and diversification of export product offerings.

Suggested Citation

  • Mwangelwa SIBUPIWA & Abubaker QUTIESHAT, 2025. "Trade Facilitation And Firms: A Literature Review," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 20(1), pages 247-262, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:blg:journl:v:20:y:2025:i:1:p:247-262
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    File URL: http://magazines.ulbsibiu.ro/eccsf/RePEc/blg/journl/20114sibupiwa.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Matthias Busse & Ruth Hoekstra & Jens Königer, 2012. "The Impact of Aid for Trade Facilitation on the Costs of Trading," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 65(2), pages 143-163, May.
    2. Laajaj, Rachid & Eslava, Marcela & Kinda, Tidiane, 2023. "The costs of bureaucracy and corruption at customs: Evidence from the computerization of imports in Colombia," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    3. John S. Wilson & Catherine L. Mann & Tsunehiro Otsuki, 2005. "Assessing The Potential Benefit Of Trade Facilitation: A Global Perspective," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Philippa Dee & Michael Ferrantino (ed.), Quantitative Methods For Assessing The Effects Of Non-Tariff Measures And Trade Facilitation, chapter 8, pages 121-160, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    4. Krugman, Paul R., 1979. "Increasing returns, monopolistic competition, and international trade," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 9(4), pages 469-479, November.
    5. John S. Wilson & Catherine L. Mann & Tsunehiro Otsuki, 2005. "Assessing the Benefits of Trade Facilitation: A Global Perspective," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(6), pages 841-871, June.
    6. Javier López González & Silvia Sorescu, 2019. "Helping SMEs internationalise through trade facilitation," OECD Trade Policy Papers 229, OECD Publishing.
    7. Evdokia Moïsé & Silvia Sorescu, 2013. "Trade Facilitation Indicators: The Potential Impact of Trade Facilitation on Developing Countries' Trade," OECD Trade Policy Papers 144, OECD Publishing.
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