Geography, Trade Patterns, and Economic Policy

Author/Editor:

Carlos M. Asilis ; Luis Rivera-Batiz

Publication Date:

February 1, 1994

Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper presents a geographical theory of location and interregional trade. Location is treated as an endogenous variable by firms, consumers and perfectly mobile workers in a two-sector economy. Space plays a central role owing to transportation costs, market access, and distance from polluting industrial centers. The model is used to examine: (1) aspects of a compensating-differential theory of regional unevenness, (2) the theoretical formulation of a gravity theory of trade patterns, (3) the geographic basis for industrial and environmental policy, and (4) the interaction between reductions in transportation costs, location patterns, and technological improvements.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1994/016

Subject:

Agricultural sector Economic sectors Labor Manufacturing National accounts Transportation Wages

English

Publication Date:

February 1, 1994

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451843330/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0161994

Pages:

44

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