In the 1990s, China started a process of structural reforms and of tradeliberalization, which was followed by the accession to the World TradeOrganization (WTO) in 2001. In this paper, we analyze trade patterns of Chinesefirms for the period 2000-2006, characterized by a notable increase in exportsvolumes. Theoretically, in a more open economy, firms are expected to move fromthe production of a set of less-competitive products towards moreinternationally competitive ones, which implies specialization. We studyseveral stylized facts on the distribution of Chinese firms trade and growthrates, and we analyze whether firms have diversified or specialized their tradepatterns between 2000 and 2006. We show that Chinese export patterns are veryheterogeneous, that the volatility of growth rates depends on the level ofexports, and that volatility is stronger after trade liberalization. Both,diversification in products and destinations have a positive impact on tradegrowth, but diversification of destinations has a stronger effect. We concludethat the success of Chinese exports is not only due to an increase in theintensive margin, related to the existence of economies of scale, but also dueto an increase in the extensive margin, related to the existence of economiesof scope.
展开▼
