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This study builds on a previous study but goes further by using quantile regression to analyse the impact of trade integration on poverty in ECOWAS. Each country was grouped into quantiles based on their poverty headcount to achieve the objective of the study. The result showed that trade openness within ECOWAS significantly increases poverty while bilateral trade significantly reduces poverty headcount in the region except in the countries with high poverty where it was insignificant. FDI showed that it will be beneficial to reducing poverty in ECOWAS countries but not significant and this is due to insufficient inflow of FDI to most of the countries. Import duties and exchange rates were used to measure the impact of trading costs on poverty reduction, with each indicating a different impact on poverty reduction in ECOWAS across the different quantiles but were insignificant. The study result was different from the result of the previous study. The result of this study was able to give a justification that separating countries by their poverty level gives a clearer picture of how trade integration reduces poverty in each of the ECOWAS countries as compared to using one result to make generalizations even though the countries differ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study introduces a novel fourier-augmented ARDL approach to explore how agricultural commodity prices and geopolitical risk affect trade integration in South and Central Asia, re-examining conventional views on the resource curse and international trade. Findings shows that in the long-run, these factors contribute to a resource curse in South Asia by hindering trade integration, while in Central Asia, they promote trade integration, indicating a resource blessing. Additionally, short-run commodity price volatility triggers a resource curse in both regions. These insights suggest strategies for policymakers to counteract geopolitical risks and optimize natural resource use, potentially transforming the "curse" into a "blessing" for the economic future of these Asian regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of trade integration on poverty reduction in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). To investigate the impact of trade integration on poverty reduction, data for all fifteen member countries of ECOWAS on the number of poor people, bilateral trade, trade openness, exchange rate, foreign direct investment, interest rate, inflation rate, and import tariff were collected from the World Bank, WTO, IMF and WDIs from 2010 to 2019. After various tests, heteroscedasticity was found to be present. Therefore, to address this problem, the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) method was used to examine the aforementioned impacts. The results showed that trade openness, bilateral trade, exchange rate, and import duties significantly impact poverty. The results indicated that trade integration is significant in reducing poverty within ECOWAS. The study recommends measures to enhance the effectiveness of trade integration as it has an important impact on reducing poverty in the region. First, ECOWAS should implement policies to support smaller countries in improving their productive capacities to compete effectively within the region. Secondly, harmonization of exchange rates by creating a common currency would facilitate smoother trade flows and contribute to poverty reduction. Member countries should prioritize trade with other ECOWAS nations, implement policies to ensure that foreign investments benefit the local economies, and focus on exporting finished goods rather than raw materials to create employment opportunities and support poverty reduction efforts.

This paper examines the impact of trade integration on poverty reduction in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). To investigate the impact of trade integration on poverty reduction, data for all fifteen member countries of ECOWAS on the number of poor people, bilateral trade, trade openness, exchange rate, foreign direct investment, interest rate, inflation rate, and import tariff were collected from the World Bank, WTO, IMF and WDIs from 2010 to 2019. After various tests, heteroscedasticity was found to be present. Therefore, to address this problem, the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) method was used to examine the aforementioned impacts. The results showed that trade openness, bilateral trade, exchange rate, and import duties significantly impact poverty. The results indicated that trade integration is significant in reducing poverty within ECOWAS. The study recommends measures to enhance the effectiveness of trade integration as it has an important impact on reducing poverty in the region. First, ECOWAS should implement policies to support smaller countries in improving their productive capacities to compete effectively within the region. Secondly, harmonization of exchange rates by creating a common currency would facilitate smoother trade flows and contribute to poverty reduction. Member countries should prioritize trade with other ECOWAS nations, implement policies to ensure that foreign investments benefit the local economies, and focus on exporting finished goods rather than raw materials to create employment opportunities and support poverty reduction efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolitically induced energy insecurity can impede trade integration among different economic blocs. This study employs a novel, sophisticated Fourier‐augmented ARDL methodology to explore the relationship between energy commodity prices, geopolitical risks, and trade integration within the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) from January 2000 to December 2023. Amid increasing geopolitical tensions, this analysis uncovers distinct impacts on the trade dynamics of the AU and EU, highlighting the complex interplay between natural resource abundance and geopolitical risk. The empirical findings reveal that energy resource prices generally impede trade integration in both regions, supporting the natural resource curse hypothesis. However, geopolitical risk has a divergent effect, facilitating trade integration in the AU while hindering it in the EU. One of the novelties of this study is the use of the Fourier‐augmented ARDL approach, which accounts for multiple structural breaks in the data, providing robust results. Additionally, the study comparative analysis of AU and EU regional trade dynamics in the context of geopolitical risks is another significant contribution. The inclusion of precious metals and global supply chain variables provides deeper insights into regional trade dynamics, emphasizing the importance of proactive geopolitical risk management. The findings suggest that tailored policy measures aimed at leveraging natural resources effectively while mitigating geopolitical risks can pave the way for sustainable economic growth and integration in both the AU and EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-speed rail industry (from now on referred to as HSR) in China is flourishing, and improvements in its international competitiveness and the sustainable development of trade are gradually attracting international attention. This study examined data related to trade between major countries producing and importing key HSR equipment and components from 2013 to 2022. The International Competitiveness Index, Trade Complementarity Index, and Trade Integration Index were used to study the international competitiveness of the key equipment and components of China's HSR, as well as the bilateral trade complementarity between China and other HSR powers. It also studied the degree of bilateral trade integration between China and these HSR powers, as well as that between China and the "Belt and Road" countries. Then, the ARIMA model was established by using Python 3.9.5 software to predict the degree of trade integration between China and the above countries from 2023 to 2027. The results show the following: (1) Some of the key equipment and components of China's HSR have international competitiveness, but some have shortcomings. (2) China and HSR powers have both trade competition and trade complementarity in the field of key equipment and components. (3) The trade integration of key HSR equipment and components between China and countries along the "Belt and Road" is high. Overall, after ten years of development, China's HSR industry had improved by 2022. The HSR market in the "Belt and Road" countries is the market that China's HSR industry must focus on for sustainable development in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research delves into the effectiveness of Colombia's trade liberalisation process in boosting its exports at the industrial level. Based on an empirical workhorse approach to international trade, the gravity model, we evaluate the effect of trade openness on Colombian exports at the industrial level following the SITC4 categorisation. For this purpose, panel data on Colombian exports to all its trading partners between 2007 and 2020 were used. The results establish that Colombia's trade openness has boosted the exports of most of its industries, except for exports of the mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials group, which is a group of goods that represents the country's largest exports. Furthermore, the research also confirms the prominent impact of labour productivity in boosting Colombian exports of most product groups. Consequently, Colombian policymakers should support a re-composition of the Colombian export basket in order to take proper advantage of trade integration formulas, within a global energy transition framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The text explores the case of three economies with a significant degree of internationalization (Brazil, South Korea and Mexico) between 2005 and 2015 to define their mode of integration and its impact on economic development. The study, rooted in input-output analysis, specifically on productive leaks and linkages methodology, discusses three integration schemes that influence economic growth in unique ways, depending on the type of trade specialization and dependence. This leads to the conclusion that not all export promotion strategies benefit different countries; hence, export orientation is not always synonymous with economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Sociales (13159518) is the property of Revista de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad del Zulia Venezuela and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose -- This paper evaluates Indonesia's trade integration efforts and their impact on export competitiveness from 1989 to 2021. It examines the evolution of trade arrangements, starting with the ASEAN Preferential Trade Arrangement (APTA) and progressing to bilateral agreements. Methods -- Based on Leamer and Stern, the Constant Market Share Analysis (CMSA) measures Indonesia's export competitiveness over the study period. Findings -- The results indicate no significant improvement in competitiveness during the analysis period, with export growth primarily driven by the effect of world growth. Although competitiveness did not shift markedly over time, it remained positive overall, suggesting a buffer effect during economic crises. Implications -- The paper suggests that Indonesia should pursue deeper trade integration and unilateral economic reforms. Drawing on Korea's experience, combining export promotion policies with trade agreements could enhance market access and foster internal competitiveness. Originality -- This study provides long-term insights into Indonesia's export competitiveness amidst global trade integration efforts and offers policy recommendations based on the success of Korea's trade reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose ― This paper evaluates Indonesia's trade integration efforts and their impact on export competitiveness from 1989 to 2021. It examines the evolution of trade arrangements, starting with the ASEAN Preferential Trade Arrangement (APTA) and progressing to bilateral agreements. Methods ― Based on Leamer and Stern, the Constant Market Share Analysis (CMSA) measures Indonesia’s export competitiveness over the years. Findings ― The results indicate no significant improvement in competitiveness during the analysis period, with export growth primarily driven by the effect of world growth. Although competitiveness did not shift markedly over time, it remained positive overall, suggesting a buffer effect during economic crises. Implications ― The paper suggests Indonesia should pursue deeper trade integration and unilateral economic reforms. Drawing on Korea’s experience, combining export promotion policies with trade agreements could enhance market access and foster internal competitiveness. Originality ― This study provides long-term insights into Indonesia’s export competitiveness amidst global trade integration efforts and offers policy recommendations based on the success of Korea’s trade reforms.

This study introduces a novel fourier-augmented ARDL approach to explore how agricultural commodity prices and geopolitical risk affect trade integration in South and Central Asia, re-examining conventional views on the resource curse and international trade. Findings shows that in the long-run, these factors contribute to a resource curse in South Asia by hindering trade integration, while in Central Asia, they promote trade integration, indicating a resource blessing. Additionally, short-run commodity price volatility triggers a resource curse in both regions. These insights suggest strategies for policymakers to counteract geopolitical risks and optimize natural resource use, potentially transforming the "curse" into a "blessing" for the economic future of these Asian regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting geopolitical risks have led over time to a reorientation of trade integrations across different economic blocs. As one of the increasingly dominant global blocks, the organisation comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) has intensified their trade integration. Therefore, we conducted a thorough analysis of how BRICS countries’ multilateral trade integration responded to geopolitical risk events from January 1996 to December 2021. To achieve this, we utilized a sophisticated econometric method, specifically the cross-quantilogram approach, to analyse high frequency data due to their non-normal and fat-tailed features. Our study confirms the proposition that geopolitical risks strengthened trade integration within the BRICS bloc. Specifically, our findings show that the volume of exports from one economy to another responded positively at lower to medium quantiles of exports and lower geopolitical risks, considering a 12–36-month horizon. Moreover, we found that the quantity of exports from Russia to China was higher in the presence of higher geopolitical risks. Our study demonstrates that geopolitical risks can create a sense of shared identity and mutual interest among the BRICS countries, fostering greater cooperation and trade integration.

Environmental degradation is one of the potentially unforeseen consequences of sanctions, yet few studies have investigated how sanctions affect the environment. For instance, by restricting the acquisition of more efficient technologies, sanctions can strain natural resources and erode environmental performance. Therefore, this study investigates the moderating effects of trade integration on the underlying links between several types of sanctions (i.e., military, arms, trade, financial, and travel) and the environmental quality of the target country. A rich dyadic dataset consisting of 214 sender countries/states, 135 target countries/states, and 28,532 country pairs is used for the empirical analysis. A multi-way panel fixed effects model is employed for the empirical analysis. This approach allows us to control for the unobserved sender and target country-specific as well as time-specific characteristics that might affect environmental performance. The results show that most sanctions result in the deterioration of the environmental quality. In contrast, trade sanctions promote the environmental quality of the target country. We also find that sanctions adversely impact the ecological aspect of the environment while positively influencing the climate change aspect of environmental quality. The results also show that greater bilateral trade interdependence between the sender and the target country helps to mitigate the adverse impacts of most sanctions. The findings of this study suggest that the real effects of sanctions on environmental quality cannot be empirically disentangled if several types of sanctions are clubbed under the umbrella of ‘sanctions’ and captured using a single dummy variable, as is often done in the extant literature. Policies that encourage greater economic integration, such as trade liberalization with multiple countries, can be used strategically by a country to reduce threats of being sanctioned or vulnerabilities to the negative effects of sanctions on the environment.

Copyright of Journal of Economic Cooperation & Development is the property of Statistical Economic & Social Research & Training Centre for Islamic Countries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The sluggish progress concerning SDG-9 and SDG 13 has made South Asia an epicentre of household and ambient greenhouse gases emissions. Furthermore, the regional progress concerning attainment of SDG-3 is considerably low. The major research objectives are twofold. First, to explore the impact of GHGs emissions from agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing sector on disaggregated life expectancy. Second, to examine the mitigating impact of renewable energy use, trade integration, and human capital development for practice policy recommendations. These research objectives are realized by employing recently advanced cross-sectional auto regressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model on panel data of five South Asian countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2019. The estimation outcome reveals that the emissions from transportation, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors significantly deteriorate healthy life expectancy of male and female healthy life expectancy in South Asia with different intensity. Especially, we find that long-run impact of GHG is more profound on male healthy life expectancy than female life expectancy. The result further shows that renewable energy and human capital substantially improve healthy life expectancy, whereas the effects of trade integration are insignificant. The finding of moderating variables shows that renewable energy, human capital development, and trade integration have high potential to reduce GHGs emissions. The findings of this study urge South Asia for investments in human capital development and renewable energy along with fostering regional integration to decrease GHG and improve healthy life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the trade–peace nexus in Africa and ascertains how poverty and inequality tilt the relationship in the eight regional (economic) blocs in Africa, viz. the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD), the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), from 1998 to 2020 using the Driscoll–Kraay estimate. The study contributes to the literature by disaggregating the peace effect of trade in Africa by the regional (economic) blocs to allow for in‐depth and context‐specific analysis. The paper also expands the scope of existing studies by examining the direct effect of poverty and inequality on peace in addition to the indirect effect that is revealed through their interactions with trade integrations. The findings reveal that trade promotes peace in Africa, while wide income inequality and a large poverty gap increase the likelihood of conflict. The interaction of poverty and inequality with trade integration shows that while the poverty level does not improve the effect of trade on peace, inequality reduces the impact of trade on peace. The study concludes that poverty and inequality play significant roles in the trade–peace nexus in Africa. Policy recommendations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia possess diverse natural resources and a substantial labor force that permit forming a successful trade integration. However, the recent dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project between Ethiopia and downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, has weakened the bilateral relations and disrupted trade flows among the three countries. This paper investigates the pattern of trilateral trade between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia during the period between 1995 and 2018. The study also examines the prospects and challenges for establishing a trilateral trade integration between the three countries. The study adopted the gravity model approach, along with the export diversification and trade complementarity indices, in order to scrutinize the pattern and structure of trade between the countries under study. The analysis indicated that Egypt is the most diversified economy with many crucial comparative advantages, which may grant it a leader position in the integration. Moreover, the paper revealed many challenges that may hinder the implementation of trilateral trade integration including, export concentration, poor infrastructure and disputes over water resources. Finally, the paper recommends that facilitating bilateral trade among the riparian countries of Eastern Nile Basin would mitigate the complex clashes over water rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines Sub‐Saharan Africa's (SSA) role in global value chains (GVCs) through a new comprehensive country‐sector level database. It reaffirms known aspects: SSA's involvement in GVCs has grown but still trails other regions, especially in manufacturing. Typically, SSA is involved in upstream production stages, exporting commodities that are later processed and re‐exported by other countries. Only few SSA countries have integrated into manufacturing GVCs, importing inputs for export production. SSA also engages more in GVCs with external partners than with other SSA countries. Yet, new insights also emerge. SSA increasingly provides inputs for its own export products, though not for domestic sales. Additionally, African GVCs are shifting alliances; China and India are rising as sources for supply of inputs and final demand, overtaking Europe. However, the United States and Europe remain pivotal final destinations for African goods and re‐export hubs of African value added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Moving towards self-sufficient economy is the striving plan for every country, especially less developed countries. This way, this paper analysed the impact of trade integration on inclusive growth in Rwanda using time series data from 1992 up to 2022. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used the Fully Modified Least Squares approach to internalise the problem of endogeneity due to omitted variables and feedback effect. Findings: This research established evidence of long relationship between the five independent variables (trade integration, Import duties, foreign direct investment, Exchange rate, CPI inflation) and the inclusive growth of the Rwandan economy. Besides, this results indicated that an increase in trade integration is expected to increase inclusive growth in the economy of Rwanda. Practical Implications: Therefore, it is highly recommended to foster all initiatives that bring about effective trade harmonization and exchange rate modalities and policies so as to improve on inclusive economic growth in Rwanda. Originality/Value: The results highlighted that high import duties will reduce inclusive growth in Rwanda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two decades have passed since the acronym BRIC was coined in 2001. The cooperation within the BRIC was formalized in 2009, and the BRIC expanded into BRICS after South Africa joined in 2010. To deepen economic cooperation within the BRICS, the progress of regional economic integration will affect the degree of business cycle synchronization within the region, which in turn will have an impact on the direction and magnitude of macroeconomic interdependence and growth spillovers among the regional partners. In this paper, we find inconclusive evidence of cross-country business cycle synchronization and trade integration in the BRICS. To investigate their potential for further multilateral trade integration, we combine data on international trade linkages with network methods to examine the multilateral trade system in the BRICS as an interdependent complex network. We map the topology of the BRICS multilateral trade network, and assess the extent of their multilateral trade integration. The policy implication is that to promote BRICS regional economic integration, there are two possible paths forward: the formation of regional trade agreement (RTA), and the adoption of central bank digital currency (CBDC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the interrelation between economic growth and foreign direct investments (FDI) in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 1993–2019. The research focuses on the impact of new FDI inflows per capita, as well as the influence of accumulated foreign capital (FDI stock per capita) on GDP growth per capita. This article has aimed to find the causal link between GDP growth and FDI inflows, as well as between GDP growth and FDI stock per capita in the CIS countries. The research methods include: empirical and statistical research, synthesis of practical and theoretical matters, methods of mathematical modelling. Discussion. FDI in the CIS countries are often determined by market size and market growth potential, which ensure a favourable business environment for foreign investors. Data obtained during the analysis suggest that the CIS countries mainly attract market-oriented FDI, which is consistent with the findings of the authors. Thus, the accumulated foreign capital stock has positive impact on economic growth in the CIS countries. Results. Foreign direct investments for economic growth act through such factors as gross domestic product, interest rate, average wages, exchange rate, consumer price index, political stability. The coronavirus pandemic factor is assessed by the authors as negatively affecting the investment attractiveness of countries; the use of digital technologies in handling FDI, according to the authors, is debatable issue.

This study uses a panel of 31 African countries for a period of 17 years to assess whether trade integration among these countries has led to the synchronization of their business cycle. This is an important issue to consider for entry into a monetary union. Unlike most previous studies, a time-varying index is applied to measure business cycle synchronization. The heterogeneous panel estimators reveal a positive relationship between the two variables among these African countries. This empirical finding should be considered by the East African Community (EAC) authorities for further debate on the readiness of the EAC Monetary Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Knowledge: International Journal is the property of Institute for Knowledge Management and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article investigates the economic impacts of greater trade integration in the Group of 77 (G‐77) through the GTAP model. The analyses are based on reductions in import tariffs on agricultural and industrial products, considering scenarios with and without the China participation. The economic impacts tend to strengthen production and trade in industrial sectors in already industrialised regions and agriculture in regions more dependent on this sector—pattern reinforced with China's presence. China's trade also leads to a drop in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in some G‐77 countries, with these losses outweigh welfare gains mainly in some least developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orientation: Although all African governments recognise the importance of stimulating greater intra-regional trade, the process of turning policy into action has proved to be difficult. Research purpose: Several studies have examined the broad effects of free trade areas in Africa and how the removal of tariffs and other trade barriers impacts member countries. However, no studies appear to have been conducted on the effects of a targeted reduction in trade divisions based on untapped export potential. Motivation for the study: Many divisions stifle trade on the African continent, from limited market access and poor infrastructure to unwieldy regulatory frameworks and a lack of information on trade opportunities that hinder greater intra-regional trade. Research approach/design and method: This study sets out to address the research gap by translating the potential trade values of the identified untapped intra-regional trade opportunities between African countries into (Global Trade Analysis Project) GTAP model shocks. This involved determining what the increase in trade efficiency (or reduction in trade divisions) must be, in addition to the removal of all tariffs, to deliver the estimated potential increase in trade for the identified trade opportunities. Main findings: The study found that in addition to the removal of tariffs, targeted increases in trade efficiency phased in over time produce much higher economic gains than a once-off trade efficiency shock. Practical/managerial implications: The welfare gains of many of the smaller African economies are higher under this phased approach, and it is not mostly the bigger, more industrialised economies that benefit most. Contribution/value-add: The results cast new light on the potential of African countries to leverage untapped trade opportunities to increase intra-regional trade among small and large economies alike.

We propose a novel approach to the study of international trade based on a theory of country integration that embodies a broad systemic viewpoint on the relationship between trade and growth. Our model leads to an indicator of country openness that measures a country's level of integration through the full architecture of its connections in the trade network. We apply our methodology to a sample of 204 countries and find a sizable and significant positive relationship between our integration measure and a country's growth rate, while that of the traditional measures of outward orientation is only minor and statistically insignificant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim/purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze regional trade integration of 10 Central and Eastern Europe countries (CEE-10) during the 2004-2018 period, identify regional- and country-level integration patterns and attribute them to potential causes indicated by the literature.

This paper investigates the relationship between international trade integration and international financial integration in Asia using a dataset covering the period from 2001 to 2015. Using a simultaneous equations system, this paper sheds further light into international trade integration and international financial integration processes of Asian countries. We account for the bidirectional causality between these two variables by employing a system of simultaneous equations. Utilizing the two-stage least squares estimator, we find a positive and significant bidirectional relationship between international trade integration and international financial integration. This result has strong policy implication relating to the liberalization process in these Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes the role of trade and financial integration, productive specialization and monetary policies in the synchronization of business cycles in North America from a long-run perspective. For this purpose, we estimate seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) models and Granger causality tests with annual panel data for Canada, the United States and Mexico during the period 1980-2019. The main findings suggest that: 1) trade integration has a positive effect and productive specialization a negative one on business cycle synchronization of the economies; 2) intra-industrial trade predominates in the region; 3) trade and financial integration processes are complementary; 4) financial integration promotes productive specialization; and, 5) progresses in trade and financial integration within the region are heterogeneous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technological changes have altered the way in which interactions take place between economic agents. One of the main advances is the possibility to broadly disseminate information at very low cost. E-commerce is a significant part of this change, becoming increasingly important within the EU. In this paper we analyze the impact of the recent trade agreement reached between EU and Mercosur countries on e-commerce flows. We take advantage of the political agreement announced on June 28, 2019 as a source for identification. We use data from SimilarWeb, a digital market intelligence company that provides information on worldwide Internet traffic. Our results show that the announcement of the Agreement has had a positive impact on Internet traffic between EU and Mercosur countries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first empirical exercise to analyze the impact of this and other Agreements on e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering major Asian economic blocs and dialogues, this study comprehensively reviews the progress of "Asian" economic integration. The empirical results show that comprehensive, continent-wide economic integration in Asia is unlikely to happen soon since integration has been mainly confined to East and Southeast Asia, while other regions are much less integrated and globalised. However, the achievement of gradual integration would mutually benefit all members through capacity building, technological development, labour supply enlargement, and market expansion. With the forthcoming success of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' single market and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, this study also argues that the attributes proposed in the previous literature, e.g. historical reconciliation, common institution, and economic, politic, and social heterogeneity are irrelevant in the context of Asian economic integration. Instead, the scope, depth, and sequencing of the integration process, coupled with supporting geopolitical factors, largely explain the success of the Asia model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to test the hypothesis of business cycle convergence in member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) engaged in a monetary union process. We applied the concepts of beta‐convergence and sigma‐convergence to business cycles in the region in the period 1990–2018. Two analytical approaches suggested that during this period, the hypothesis of the convergence of business cycles cannot be rejected. The study highlighted the positive effect of trade intensity on the convergence of member countries' business cycles, in line with the theory of the endogeneity of optimum currency area criteria. These results imply that the initial asymmetric nature of the business cycles of ECOWAS countries does not represent an economic obstacle to the creation of a monetary union in the zone. This cyclical convergence is likely to accelerate with the intensification of trade resulting from the newly created union owing to deeper financial integration and the elimination of transaction costs and uncertainty associated with exchange rate volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We reassess the impact of greater trade integration on child labor by using a unique database for Brazil where import and export shocks originating from China are allowed to affect child labor through local labor market outcomes. Contrary to existing results in that trade liberalization in developing countries is associated with less child labor regardless the type of trade shock, we find that increases in exports are associated with less child labor whereas increases in imports are related to more child labor. Our results suggest that trade liberalization in Brazil over the 2000 to 2010 period was not necessarily a winner-winner event as locations more exposed to positive variations of imports from China also experienced more poverty and child labor relative to less exposed locations. These findings provide insights into the regional effects of trade, and may have important implications for policies that address child labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]