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Transit Trade

Author

Listed:
  • Carballo, Jerónimo
  • Schaur, Georg
  • Graziano, Alejandro
  • Volpe Martincus, Christian

Abstract

In this paper, we estimate the effects of transit systems that substantiallystreamline administrative processing of trade flows. In so doing, we use a unique dataset that consists of the entire universe of El Salvador's export transactions over the period 2007-2013 and includes information on the transactions channeled under a new transit regime established with neighboring countries over the same period. Results suggest that this new transit system has been associated with decreased order servicing and variable trade costs. As a consequence, firms' exports increased primarily through higher shipping frequencies. Furthermore, the effects have been strong on foreign sales of time-sensitive goods. This evidence informs one of the main policies covered in the 2013 WTO Agreement of Trade Facilitation.

Suggested Citation

  • Carballo, Jerónimo & Schaur, Georg & Graziano, Alejandro & Volpe Martincus, Christian, 2016. "Transit Trade," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 7688, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:7688
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lionel Fontagné & Gianluca Orefice & Roberta Piermartini, 2020. "Making small firms happy? The heterogeneous effect of trade facilitation measures," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 28(3), pages 565-598, August.
    2. Jerónimo Carballo & Alejandro Graziano & Georg Schaur & Christian Volpe Martincus, 2021. "The Effects of Transit Systems on International Trade," CESifo Working Paper Series 9353, CESifo.
    3. Li, Wenchao, 2019. "Time barrier to export for OECD countries," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 106-112.
    4. Xiang Hui, 2020. "Facilitating Inclusive Global Trade: Evidence from a Field Experiment," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 66(4), pages 1737-1755, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    trade agreements; trade costs; exporting firm; trade facilitation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F13 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Policy; International Trade Organizations
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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