Geography, Trade and Currency Union

Jacques Melitz

No 2987, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: This Paper reports on four basic results of tests of the standard gravity equation. First, geography can serve to reflect comparative advantage as well as transportation costs. Second, the effect of distance on bilateral trade is mostly a substitution effect between closer and more distant trade partners rather than a scale effect on total foreign trade. Third, special political relationships, such as free trade agreements, former colonial attachments, and currency union, do not produce any trade diversion in the aggregate, but increase trade with outsiders as well as among the parties to the relationship. Fourth, Rose?s surprisingly high estimate of the impact of currency union on trade stems partly from a selection bias, but even following a correction for this bias, the estimate remains high.

Keywords: Gravity; Geography; Bilateral trade; Free trade area; Trade diversion; Trade creation; Monetary union (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F10 F33 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001-10
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (31)

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