Trade Growth and Convergence in a Dynamic Heckscher-Ohlin Model

Working Paper: NBER ID: w12567

Authors: Claustre Bajona; Timothy J. Kehoe

Abstract: This paper studies the properties of a dynamic Heckscher-Ohlin model - a combination of a static two-good, two-factor Heckscher-Ohlin trade model and a two-sector growth model - with infinitely lived consumers where international borrowing and lending are not permitted. We obtain two main results: First, even if factor prices are equalized, countries that differ only in their initial endowments of capital per worker may converge or diverge in income levels over time, depending on the elasticity of substitution between traded goods. Divergence can occur for parameter values that would imply convergence in a world of closed economies and vice versa. Second, factor price equalization in a given period does not imply factor price equalization in future periods.

Keywords: Dynamic Heckscher-Ohlin Model; Trade; Growth; Income Convergence

JEL Codes: F11; F43; O15; O41


Causal Claims Network Graph

Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.


Causal Claims

CauseEffect
initial capital endowments (D29)income levels (J31)
elasticity of substitution between traded goods (F16)income levels (J31)
factor price equalization (F16)income levels (J31)
initial conditions and parameters (C62)income trajectories (D31)

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