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Product differentiation, firm heterogeneity and international trade: Exploring the Alchian-Allen effect

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  • Echazu, Luciana

Abstract

In a model of international trade with horizontally differentiated goods, increasing returns and monopolistically competitive markets, this paper proposes that the degree of differentiation in a product mix-defined as the ratio of the number of varieties to the total value of imports-can be regarded as another aspect of quality. Furthermore, this paper draws a parallel to the Alchian-Allen effect and shows that, when firms are heterogeneous in either fixed or variable costs, the degree of differentiation is increasing in per unit transportation costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Echazu, Luciana, 2009. "Product differentiation, firm heterogeneity and international trade: Exploring the Alchian-Allen effect," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 63(2), pages 95-101, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reecon:v:63:y:2009:i:2:p:95-101
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carter, Colin A. & Chalfant, James A. & Yavapolkul, Navin & Carroll, Christine L., 2016. "International commodity trade, transport costs, and product differentiation," Journal of Commodity Markets, Elsevier, vol. 1(1), pages 65-76.

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