The gravity model of international trade: econometric properties and applications

Cain, Donneil (2017) The gravity model of international trade: econometric properties and applications. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This thesis reviews the literature, simulates and applies the Gravity Model of International Trade. The gravity model is widely used in international trade to examine trade flows within a network of exporters and importers. It describes the push and pull factors of trade flows and is fast becoming the most favoured tool when estimating the welfare effects of a trade policy. Therefore, estimating an accurate baseline equation is critical to correctly identify the welfare effects of trade and accompanying trade policies. Recent developments in the literature on the gravity model have helped in this regard. Chapter 1 presents a summary. The literature identifies several estimation issues and prescribes several actions that could be taken to best estimate the gravity model and minimize potential bias in the coefficient(s) of interest. With the objective of minimizing the bias on the coefficient(s) of interest, this thesis, in Chapter 2, builds on the literature by simulating and estimating the gravity model using varying assumptions about the data generating process (dgp) of the errors, conditional mean and sample. The findings from these simulations are then used to guide the application (Chapter 3) of the gravity model to trade among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members and trade between CARICOM members and the rest of the world (ROW). Subsequently, in Chapter 4, the gravity model is used as the basis for a general equilibrium framework to investigate the importance of international borders, regional trade agreements (RTAs) and the potential impact of deeper integration in the form of a currency union among CARICOM members. The welfare implications for CARICOM members, associated with being a member of the RTA and adapting a common currency, are presented in Chapter 4 along with several recommended trade policies and areas for future research.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Eberhardt, Markus
Marsh, Patrick
Keywords: Gravity Model, international trade, PPML, CARICOM
Subjects: H Social sciences > HC Economic history and conditions
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Economics
Item ID: 43400
Depositing User: Cain, Donneil
Date Deposited: 19 Jul 2017 04:40
Last Modified: 11 Dec 2017 10:46
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/43400

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