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Export-Platform Foreign Direct Investment

Author

Listed:
  • Karolina Ekholm
  • Rikard Forslid
  • James R. Markusen

Abstract

A poorly understood empirical phenomenon is export-platform affiliate production (EP), particularly for sale in third countries rather than in the parent or host countries. We develop a three-region model, with two identical large, high-cost countries (collectively called North) and a small, low-cost country (South). The large countries each have one firm. Our theory section analyzes the conditions under which one or both of these firms uses the South to produce for (a) export back to the parent (home-country EP), (b) export to the other large country (third-country EP), or (c) export to both (global EP). A free-trade area between one of the northern countries and South can lead to the insider northern firm choosing home or global EP and the outsider firm choosing third-country EP for a range of parameter values. Our empirical section shows the relevance of this outcome. Foreign manufacturing affiliates of US multinationals inside North America concentrate on home-country EP while affiliates inside Europe concentrate on third-country EP. (JEL: F12, F23) (c) 2007 by the European Economic Association.

Suggested Citation

  • Karolina Ekholm & Rikard Forslid & James R. Markusen, 2007. "Export-Platform Foreign Direct Investment," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 5(4), pages 776-795, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:tpr:jeurec:v:5:y:2007:i:4:p:776-795
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. James R. Markusen, 2004. "Multinational Firms and the Theory of International Trade," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262633078, April.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business

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