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The evolution of trade credit: new evidence from developed versus developing countries

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Machokoto

    (African Development Bank Group
    University of the Witwatersrand)

  • Daniel Gyimah

    (University of Aberdeen)

  • Boulis Maher Ibrahim

    (Heriot-Watt University)

Abstract

Using a large sample of listed firms from 72 countries over the period 1990–2019, we document a marked decrease in trade credit that is more pronounced for firms in developed economies relative to those in emerging economies. We find little evidence that firm characteristics drive this trend, as their relation with trade credit remains relatively stable throughout the sample period. We test several competing propositions and find that the listing decade, institutional factors, and financial development explain the downward trajectory in trade credit. We also report diminishing returns to trade credit that are higher in the US and other developed economies than in emerging economies. These results are robust to alternative definitions of trade credit and to controlling for several firm-specific and macroeconomic factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Machokoto & Daniel Gyimah & Boulis Maher Ibrahim, 2022. "The evolution of trade credit: new evidence from developed versus developing countries," Review of Quantitative Finance and Accounting, Springer, vol. 59(3), pages 857-912, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:rqfnac:v:59:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s11156-022-01061-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11156-022-01061-z
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    Cited by:

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    2. Inmaculada Aguiar-Díaz & Ewelina Mruk & María Victoria Ruiz-Mallorquí, 2024. "How judicial efficiency impacts trade credit and doubtful receivables," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 63-91, April.
    3. Cengizhan Karaca, 2023. "Dynamics of Trade Credit, Bank Credit Extension, Sustainable Economic Growth, and Imports: Evidence from the European Non-Financial Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-24, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trade credit; Time series; Emerging economies; Firm age; Employment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G39 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Other

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