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Different Trade Models, Different Trade Elasticities?

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Waugh

    (New York University)

  • Ina Simonovska

    (University of California, Davis)

Abstract

How has the development of new trade models changed our understanding of the welfare gains from trade? Answering this question depends solely on estimates of the trade elasticity obtained using techniques applicable across different models. In this paper we build on the methods of Simonovska and Waugh (2011) and we develop a common estimator for the trade elasticity that is applicable across different models that feature micro-level heterogeneity. The benefit of our approach is that, while the estimation uses the same moment conditions, it allows for different micro structures to matter. We apply the estimator to the models of Eaton and Kortum (2002), Bernard, Eaton, Jensen, and Kortum (2003), and a variant of the framework of Melitz (2003) and Chaney (2008). We find that the trade elasticity estimates differ considerably across models. The results suggest that the Bernard, Eaton, Jensen, and Kortum (2003) model yields the highest, while the Melitz (2003) model yields the lowest welfare gains from trade.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Waugh & Ina Simonovska, 2012. "Different Trade Models, Different Trade Elasticities?," 2012 Meeting Papers 618, Society for Economic Dynamics.
  • Handle: RePEc:red:sed012:618
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F17 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade Forecasting and Simulation

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