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Does Machine Translation Affect International Trade? Evidence from a Large Digital Platform

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  • Erik Brynjolfsson
  • Xiang Hui
  • Meng Liu

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is surpassing human performance in a growing number of domains. However, there is limited evidence of its economic effects. Using data from a digital platform, we study a key application of AI: machine translation. We find that the introduction of a machine translation system has significantly increased international trade on this platform, increasing exports by 17.5%. Furthermore, heterogeneous treatment effects are all consistent with a substantial reduction in translation-related search costs. Our results provide causal evidence that language barriers significantly hinder trade and that AI has already begun to improve economic efficiency in at least one domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Erik Brynjolfsson & Xiang Hui & Meng Liu, 2018. "Does Machine Translation Affect International Trade? Evidence from a Large Digital Platform," NBER Working Papers 24917, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:24917
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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