Comparative Advantage Analysis of Electrical and Electronic Equipments (HS 85) in ASEAN+6

Technology advancements have the ability to boost productivity and create new markets. High-tech products will occupy a significant role in international trade along with the advancement of technology. Therefore, studying the comparative advantages of countries over technological commodities is essential. This study discusses the pattern of comparative advantages of electrical, electronic equipment (HS 85) ASEAN+6 in 2004–2019. This study uses the Harmonized System (HS) codes to delineate groups of export commodities, namely products with HS code 85. Data and observations are taken from UN COMTRADE. This study was conducted 1) to depict exports and imports of electrical, electronic equipment products (HS 85), 2) to know the position of a country whether it is a net-exporters or net-importers with Trade Balance Index (TBI) 3) to analyze the dynamics of electrical comparative advantage, electronic equipment products (HS 85) with Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) Index, and 4) to overview product mapping of electrical, electronic equipment (HS 85). This study finds that there are shifts in comparative advantage and trade balance index of electrical and electronic equipment (HS 85) in ASEAN+6. The Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea are countries that are net exporters and have a comparative advantage for HS 85 products. From 2004–2019, some countries have shifted their position quite far. In 2019, China is a net exporter and has a comparative advantage in electrical, electronic equipment (HS 85). Meanwhile, Japan has a lower position compared to 2004. Thailand also experienced a decline, become net-importers, and has a comparative disadvantage on HS 85 products.