In this paper, we look at the similarity of the trade structures\udtoward the EU market between four CEECs and the EU15. We evaluate the\udappropriateness of different indices to compare export flows—correlation\udindices and distance metrics—opting for the use of the Bray-Curtis semimetric.\udWe examine both how the export composition of a country has\udchanged over time and how the export composition has changed with respect\udto the EU15 export composition. Finally, we test if the dynamics of sectoral\uddistribution of the CEECs’ exports is related to the role acquired by processed\udtrade in the 1990s. We give evidence that processed trade is crucial in\udexplaining changes in the overall structure of exports of transition countries,\udand that greater economic integration in terms of trade flows and processing\udtrade does not always lead to greater export similarity.
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