How Far Goods Travel: Global Transport and Supply Chains from 1965-2020

Sharat Ganapati and Woan Foong Wong

No 31167, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper considers the evolution of global transportation usage over the past half century and its implications for supply chains. Transportation usage per unit of real output has more than doubled as costs decreased by a third. Participation of emerging economies in world trade and longer-distance trade between countries contribute to this usage increase, thereby encouraging longer supply chains. We discuss technological advances over this period, and their interactions with endogenous responses from transportation costs and supply chain linkages. Supply chains involving more countries and longer distances are reflective of reliable and efficient transportation, but are also more exposed to disruptions, highlighting the importance of considering the interconnectedness of transportation and supply chains in policymaking and future work.

JEL-codes: F14 F15 L91 R4 R41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-04
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his, nep-int and nep-tre
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Published as Sharat Ganapati & Woan Foong Wong, 2023. "How Far Goods Travel: Global Transport and Supply Chains from 1965–2020," Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol 37(3), pages 3-30.

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Journal Article: How Far Goods Travel: Global Transport and Supply Chains from 1965–2020 (2023)
Working Paper: How Far Goods Travel: Global Transport and Supply Chains from 1965-2020 (2023)
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