Structural Reforms and Export Performance

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to identify the structural reforms that would yield the largest competitiveness gains based on macro-empirical evidence. Based on an econometric analysis, the paper finds that four structural policies affect advanced countries' export performance: trade policy, labor taxation, labor market, and innovation policies. The result of the model are used to estimate the impact of reforms in these areas on France export performance and external accounts.

Keywords: structural reforms, export performance, competitiveness

JEL Classification: F14, F40