Abstract:
A simple model of offshoring is used to integrate the complex gallery of results that exist in thetheoretical offshoring/fragmentation literature. The paper depicts offshoring as 'shadowmigration' and shows that this allows straightforward derivation of the general equilibriumeffects on prices, wages, production and trade (necessary and sufficient conditions are provided).We show that offshoring requires modification of the four HO theorems, so econometricians whoignore offshoring might reject the HO theorem when a properly specified version held in the data.We also show that offshoring is an independent source of comparative advantage and can lead tointra-industry trade in a Walrasian setting.