A multi-sector analysis of Switzerland's gains from trade
Zusammenfassung
This paper quantifies Switzerland's gains from trade using a multi-country multi-sector general equilibrium Ricardian trade model. The model calibration relies on a novel data source on sectoral linkages to provide a Switzerland-centric analysis. I find that using this novel dataset generates 13.4% higher estimates of the gains from trade for Switzerland, as other data sources tend to underestimate Swiss sectors' exposure to foreign markets. Using this quantitative framework, I then perform a policy-oriented counterfactual analysis to assess the gains from Switzerland's trade integration. I find that Switzerland's wide free trade agreement (FTA) network is associated with small real GDP gains but significantly shapes trade flows. Without Switzerland's FTA network, Swiss real exports decline by -6.9%, while imports decline by -7.6%. An FTA with the US raises real GDP in Switzerland and in the US, albeit only slightly, while CH-US real bilateral trade increases by approximately +7%.
- Issue:
- 20
- Pages:
- 49
- JEL classification:
- F10, F11, F14
- Keywords:
- Gains from trade, input-output linkages, free trade agreements
- Year:
- 2020