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The Puzzling Persistence of the Distance Effect on Bilateral Trade

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  • Disdier, Anne-Célia
  • Head, Keith

Abstract

One of the best established empirical results in international economics is that bilateral trade decreases with distance. Although well-known, this result has not been systematically analyzed before. We examine 1467 distance effects estimated in 103 papers. Information collected on each estimate allows us to test hypotheses about the causes of variation in the estimates. Our most interesting finding is that the estimated negative impact of distance on trade rose around the middle of the century and has remained persistently high since then. This result holds even after controlling for many important differences in samples and methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Disdier, Anne-Célia & Head, Keith, 2008. "The Puzzling Persistence of the Distance Effect on Bilateral Trade," Conference papers 331805, Purdue University, Center for Global Trade Analysis, Global Trade Analysis Project.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:pugtwp:331805
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    JEL classification:

    • C10 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - General
    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General

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