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Trade Elasticities in a Regional Context: New Insights from Spatial Econometrics

Regional trade flows are significantly influenced by neighboring regions, which has important implications for the estimation of trade elasticities—and, consequently, for model-based assessments of the regional impact of economic policy.

Cover of the Journals Regional Studies
© Regional Studies

The study "National and Foreign Trade Elasticities: A Spatial Econometrics Approach" estimates trade elasticities while accounting for spatial dependencies. Traditional analyses of trade elasticities often overlook the spatial interdependence between regions. Damiaan Persyn and co-authors argue that trade flows cannot be viewed in isolation, as neighboring regions significantly influence trade activity. By applying spatial econometric models, the study identifies significant spillover effects that affect both interregional and international trade flows. Accounting for spatial relationships allows for more accurate estimation of trade elasticities and provides a deeper understanding of the dynamics of regional markets. Using precisely estimated parameters is a prerequisite for sound model-based policy impact assessment.

Zofío, J. L., Barbero, J., Díaz-Lanchas, J., & Persyn, D. (2025). National and foreign trade elasticities: a spatial econometrics approach. Regional Studies, 1–19.
https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2025.2469608 


Contact: Dr. Damiaan Persyn
 

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