Participation in Export Markets and Productivity Performance in Canadian Manufacturing

Economic Analysis Research Paper Series

39 Pages Posted: 14 May 2009

See all articles by John R. Baldwin

John R. Baldwin

Statistics Canada - Microeconomic Analysis Division

Wulong Gu

Government of Canada - Micro-Economic Analysis Division

Date Written: August 15, 2003

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the linkages between export-market participation and productivity performance in Canadian manufacturing plants. We also examine differences in the effect of exporting on productivity between foreign-controlled and domestic-controlled plants, and between young and older plants. We find that export participation improves productivity. The effect is much stronger for domestic-controlled plants than for foreign-controlled plants. We interpret this as evidence that it is the international orientation or globalization of a firm rather than ownership per se that is important for productivity growth. We also find that exporting matters more for young businesses than for older businesses.

Keywords: exports, productivity, multinationals, self-selection

JEL Classification: F1, O4

Suggested Citation

Baldwin, John R. and Gu, Wulong, Participation in Export Markets and Productivity Performance in Canadian Manufacturing (August 15, 2003). Economic Analysis Research Paper Series, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1402804 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1402804

John R. Baldwin (Contact Author)

Statistics Canada - Microeconomic Analysis Division ( email )

24 Floor - R.H.Coats Building
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontaria K1A 0T6
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613-951-8588 (Phone)
613-951-5403 (Fax)

Wulong Gu

Government of Canada - Micro-Economic Analysis Division ( email )

24 Floor - R.H.Coats Building
Tunney's Pasture
Ottawa, Ontaria K1A 0T6
Canada