Competitiveness in the Southern Euro Area: France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain

Author/Editor:

Bogdan Lissovolik ; Julio Escolano ; Stefania Fabrizio ; Werner Schule ; Herman Z Bennett ; Stephen Tokarick ; Yuan Xiao ; Marialuz Moreno Badia ; Eva Gutierrez ; Iryna V. Ivaschenko

Publication Date:

April 1, 2008

Electronic Access:

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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 collection of studies analyzes developments in nonprice external competitiveness of France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. While France, Italy, and Portugal have experienced substantial export market share losses, Greece and Spain performed relatively well. Export market share losses appear associated with rigidities in resource allocation (sectoral, geographical, technological) relative to peers and lower productivity gains in high value-added sectors. Disaggregated analysis of goods and services export markets provides insights on aspects such as quality, market concentration, growth of destination markets, and geographical and sectoral diversification. Also, increased import penetration, offshoring and FDI could improve productivity and export performance.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2008/112

Subject:

Competition Export performance Exports Financial markets Imports International trade Service exports

English

Publication Date:

April 1, 2008

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451869729/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2008112

Pages:

114

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