Classical or Gravity? Which Trade Model Best Matches the UK Facts?
39 Pages Posted: 2 Jan 2018
Date Written: December 2017
Abstract
We examine the empirical evidence bearing on whether UK trade is governed by a Classical model or by a Gravity model, using annual data from 1965 to 2015 and the method of Indirect Inference which has very large power in this application. The Gravity model here differs from the Classical model in assuming imperfect competition and a positive effect of total trade on productivity. We found that the Classical model passed the test comfortably, and that the Gravity model also passed it but at a rather lower level of probability, though as the test power was raised it was rejected. The two models' policy implications are similar.
Keywords: Bootstrap, classical trade model, gravity model, indirect inference, UK trade
JEL Classification: F10, F14, F16, F17
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation