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Trade in intermediate goods and total factor productivity

Author

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  • Pedro Cavalcanti Ferreira
  • Alberto Trejos

Abstract

We develop and calibrate a model where differences in factor endowments lead countries to trade intermediate goods, and gains from trade reflect in total factor productivity. We perform several output and growth decompositions, to assess the impact that barriers to trade, as well as changes in terms of trade, have on measured TFP. We find that for very poor economies gains from trade are large, in some cases representing a doubling of GDP. Also, that an improvement in the terms of trade - by allowing the use of a better mix of intermediate inputs in the production process - translates into productivity growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Pedro Cavalcanti Ferreira & Alberto Trejos, 2008. "Trade in intermediate goods and total factor productivity," Working Papers 08_18, Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Economia, Administração e Contabilidade de Ribeirão Preto.
    • Handle: RePEc:fea:wpaper:08_18
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    productivity differences; gains from openness; terms of trade; development decomposition; Heckscher-Ohlin;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • F11 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Neoclassical Models of Trade
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development

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