The Intensive Margin in Trade: How Big and How Important?

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics
Year: 2023
Volume: 15
Issue: 3
Pages: 320-54

Authors (5)

Ana M. Fernandes (not in RePEc) Peter J. Klenow (not in RePEc) Sergii Meleshchuk (not in RePEc) Martha Denisse Pierola (World Bank Group) Andrés Rodríguez- Clare (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

0.804 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

In benchmark trade models that feature a constant trade elasticity, bilateral exports vary entirely on the intensive margin (exports per firm) or entirely on the extensive margin (number of firms). Our empirical analysis documents that roughly one-half of this variation occurs along each margin, implying that the trade elasticity is not constant. We estimate a generalized Melitz model with a joint log-normal distribution for firm productivity, fixed costs, and demand shifters. Using exact-hat algebra, we quantify how trade costs affect trade flows and welfare. Welfare effects are similar to those in the Melitz-Pareto model, but implied trade flows differ significantly.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejmac:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:320-54
Journal Field
Macro
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-29