Journal Article

Distance and the impact of ‘gravity’ help explain patterns of international trade

Abstract: United States trade with other countries declined dramatically during the recent recession, with the volumes of imports and exports each falling about 21 percent from third quarter 2008 to second quarter 2009. By comparison, real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted only 4 percent (Chart 1). A subsequent rebound in international trade flows is just as striking and has been one of the most robust indicators during the accelerating recovery.

Keywords: Business cycles; International trade;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Part of Series: Economic Letter

Publication Date: 2011-07

Volume: 6

Issue: 7