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Estimating gravity equations for trade in value added: A structural perspective

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  • Heiland, Inga
  • Šváb, Patrik

Abstract

A large number of recent papers employ value-added trade data alongside traditional gross measures of trade to estimate the impact of various trade costs on bilateral trade. Value-added gravity equations are typically justified by referencing the theoretical and empirical merits of traditional gravity equations for gross trade. Contradicting this notion, we use theory and simulations to show that value-added gravity equations are misspecified when the gross trade gravity equation is correct. Consequently, estimates from value-added gravity equations are difficult to interpret and prone to omitted variables bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Heiland, Inga & Šváb, Patrik, 2025. "Estimating gravity equations for trade in value added: A structural perspective," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 254(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:254:y:2025:i:c:s0165176525003131
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2025.112476
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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

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