The gravity model and trade flows: Recent developments in econometric modeling and empirical evidence

Abstract

The existing trade literature on the gravity model is extensive. This paper aims to present a survey of the current gravity model by taking stock of the existing knowledge on the major theoretical and empirical aspects of the gravity model in the context of trade flows. It also analyzes issues of panel data econometrics and identifies the critical areas of empirical methods and data. Attention has been paid to the more recent developments in the subject while discussing the estimation procedures applied in the literature. Finally, the paper suggests several direction s for future studies and provides guideposts for policy makers.