Scientific Publication

Robust Trade Integration Indicators

author(s) Bouët, Antoine - Laborde Debucquet, David - Traore, Fousseini
from International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
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themes
regions
  • Western Africa
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Africa
  • World
  • Southern Africa
  • Northern Africa
  • Eastern Africa
  • Middle Africa
citation

Bouët, Antoine; Laborde Debucquet, David; Traore, Fousseini, 'Robust Trade Integration Indicators', International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, 2022

Publications and datasets provided via GARDIAN

Abstract

Robust indicators are essential for tracking the progress made in regional trade integration. Although the bias of traditional indexes such as the share of intra-regional trade in total trade have been known for a long time, they continue to be used by various analysts and international organizations. In this technical note, based on the recent literature, we present new robust trade integration indicators that allow analysts to make dynamic and cross region comparisons without ambiguity. These new indicators shed new light in regional integration, particularly in Africa where the level of integration is not as low as one might think.

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