Not so different from non-traders: trade premia in Middle East and North Africa

By David C. Francis and Helena Schweiger

This paper uses data from more than 100 developing economies to provide information on firms engaging in international trade in either manufacturing or services, focusing on the Middle East and North Africa.  We show, among other things, that firms in this region are more likely to export, import, or both, than their counterparts elsewhere, but that those firms are also more likely to be relatively small and have lower export values. We also conclude with some policy recommendations.