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Trade Openness and Volatility

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  • Andrei A Levchenko
  • Julian Di Giovanni

Abstract

This paper examines the mechanisms through which output volatility is related to trade openness using an industry-level panel dataset of manufacturing production and trade. The main results are threefold. First, sectors more open to international trade are more volatile. Second, trade is accompanied by increased specialization. Third, sectors that are more open are less correlated with the rest of the economy. The point estimates indicate that each of the three effects has an appreciable impact on aggregate volatility. Added together they imply that the relationship between trade openness and overall volatility is positive and economically significant.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrei A Levchenko & Julian Di Giovanni, 2008. "Trade Openness and Volatility," IMF Working Papers 2008/146, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2008/146
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public expenditure review; Manufacturing; Production growth; Gravity models; Trade balance; WP; trade openness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration
    • F40 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - General

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