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Export quality in advanced and developing economies : evidence from a new data set

Author

Listed:
  • Henn,Christian
  • Papageorgiou,Chris
  • Romero,Jose
  • Spatafora,Nikola L.

Abstract

This paper develops new estimates of export quality, based on bilateral data, which are far more extensive than previous efforts. The data cover 166 countries and hundreds of products over 1962-2014. The analysis finds that quality upgrading is particularly rapid during the early stages of development. There is significant cross-country heterogeneity in the growth rate of quality. Within any given product line, quality converges over time to the world frontier. Institutional quality, liberal trade policies, foreign direct investment inflows, and human capital all promote quality upgrading, although their impacts vary across sectors. The results suggest that reducing barriers to entry into new sectors can allow economies to benefit from rapid quality convergence over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Henn,Christian & Papageorgiou,Chris & Romero,Jose & Spatafora,Nikola L., 2017. "Export quality in advanced and developing economies : evidence from a new data set," Policy Research Working Paper Series 8196, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:8196
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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