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A Linder Hypothesis for Foreign Direct Investment

Author

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  • Helpman, Elhanan
  • Grossman, Gene
  • Fajgelbaum, Pablo

Abstract

We study patterns of FDI in a multi-country world economy. First, we present evidence for a broad sample of countries that firms direct FDI disproportionately to markets with income levels similar to their home market. Then we develop a model featuring non-homothetic preferences for quality and monopolistic competition in which specialization is purely demand-driven and the decision to serve foreign countries via exports or FDI depends on a proximity-concentration trade-off. We characterize the joint patterns of trade and FDI when countries differ in income distribution and size and show that FDI is more likely to occur between countries with similar per capita income levels. The model predicts a Linder Hypothesis for FDI, consistent with the patterns found in the data.

Suggested Citation

  • Helpman, Elhanan & Grossman, Gene & Fajgelbaum, Pablo, 2011. "A Linder Hypothesis for Foreign Direct Investment," CEPR Discussion Papers 8639, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:8639
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fdi; Monopolistic competition; Multinational corporations; Nested logit; Product quality; Trade; Vertical specialization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business

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