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A Linder Hypothesis for Foreign Direct Investment

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  • Pablo D. Fajgelbaum
  • Gene M. Grossman
  • Elhanan Helpman

Abstract

We study patterns of FDI in a multi-country world economy. 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 horizontal FDI, which is consistent with the patterns we find using establishment-level data on multinational activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Pablo D. Fajgelbaum & Gene M. Grossman & Elhanan Helpman, 2011. "A Linder Hypothesis for Foreign Direct Investment," NBER Working Papers 17550, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:17550
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    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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