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The view from space: Theory-based time-varying distances in the gravity model

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  • Hinz, Julian

Abstract

I compute distances used in the gravity model of international trade that improve the existing measures along multiple lines and help remedy the border puzzle by up to 50%. I derive a trade cost aggregation that is agnostic to the underlying gravity framework while taking into account the economic geography of countries. Using this method I compute bilateral and internal country distances, making use of nightlight satellite imagery for information on the economic geography of countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Hinz, Julian, 2017. "The view from space: Theory-based time-varying distances in the gravity model," VfS Annual Conference 2017 (Vienna): Alternative Structures for Money and Banking 168270, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc17:168270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Matthieu Crozet & Julian Hinz & Federico Trionfetti, 2023. "Exchange Rate Pass-Around," Working Papers hal-04150476, HAL.
    2. Julian Donaubauer & Alexander Glas & Birgit Meyer & Peter Nunnenkamp, 2018. "Disentangling the impact of infrastructure on trade using a new index of infrastructure," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 154(4), pages 745-784, November.
    3. Lionel Fontagné & Mathilde Lebrand & Siobhan Murray & Michele Ruta & Gianluca Santoni, 2023. "Trade and Infrastructure Integration in Africa," Working Papers 2023-14, CEPII research center.
    4. Persyn, Damiaan & Díaz-Lanchas, Jorge & Barbero, Javier, 2022. "Estimating road transport costs between and within European Union regions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 33-42.
    5. Keith Head & Thierry Mayer, 2021. "The United States of Europe: A Gravity Model Evaluation of the Four Freedoms," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 35(2), pages 23-48, Spring.
    6. Federico Carril-Caccia & Aitor Garmendia-Lazcano & Asier Minondo, 2023. "Social ties and home bias in mergers and acquisitions," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 159(3), pages 563-593, August.
    7. Julian Hinz & Elsa Leromain, 2016. "Politics of Global Value Chains," Working Papers 1026, Economic Research Forum, revised Jul 2016.

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    JEL classification:

    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade

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