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Export Diversification and Specialization in South Africa: Extent and Impact

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  • Wim Naudé
  • Riaan Rossouw

Abstract

Should developing countries focus on diversifying their export basket or should they instead specialize their exports according to their existing comparative advantage? In this paper we attempt to answer this question by reviewing the literature on export diversification and specialization, by investigating the extent of export diversification and specialization in South Africa over the period 1962-2000 and its relationship to GDP per capita.

Suggested Citation

  • Wim Naudé & Riaan Rossouw, 2008. "Export Diversification and Specialization in South Africa: Extent and Impact," WIDER Working Paper Series RP2008-93, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:rp2008-93
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