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Exploring the Intensive and Extensive Margins of World Trade

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  • Gabriel J. Felbermayr
  • Wilhelm Kohler

Abstract

World trade evolves at two margins. Where a bilateral trading relationship already exists it may increase through time (intensive margin). But trade may also increase if a trading bilateral relationship is newly established between countries that have not traded with each other in the past (extensive margin). We provide an empirical dissection of post-World War II growth in manufacturing world trade along these two margins. We propose a "corner-solutions version" of the gravity model to explain movements on both margins. A Tobit estimation of this model resolves the so-called "distance puzzle". It also finds more convincing evidence than recent literature that WTO-membership enhances trade.
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Suggested Citation

  • Gabriel J. Felbermayr & Wilhelm Kohler, 2006. "Exploring the Intensive and Extensive Margins of World Trade," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 142(4), pages 642-674, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:weltar:v:142:y:2006:i:4:p:642-674
    DOI: 10.1007/s10290-006-0087-3
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bilateral trade; globalization; gravity model;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • D50 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - General
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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