Income Distribution, Product Quality, and International Trade

44 Pages Posted: 15 Sep 2009 Last revised: 22 May 2022

See all articles by Pablo D. Fajgelbaum

Pablo D. Fajgelbaum

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Gene M. Grossman

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; Princeton University - Department of Economics; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Elhanan Helpman

Harvard University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

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Date Written: September 2009

Abstract

We develop a framework for studying trade in vertically and horizontally differentiated products. In our model, consumers with heterogeneous incomes and tastes purchase a homogeneous good as well as making a discrete choice of quality and variety of a differentiated product. The distribution of preferences in the population generates a nested logit demand structure. These demands are such that the fraction of consumers who buy a higher-quality product rises with income. We use the model to study the pattern of trade between countries that differ in size and income distributions but are otherwise identical. Trade―which is driven primarily by demand factors―derives from "home market effects" in the presence of transport costs. The model helps to explain why richer countries export higher-quality goods. It provides a tractable tool for studying the welfare consequences of trade, transport costs, and trade policy for different income groups in an economy.

Suggested Citation

Fajgelbaum, Pablo D. and Grossman, Gene M. and Helpman, Elhanan, Income Distribution, Product Quality, and International Trade (September 2009). NBER Working Paper No. w15329, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1472267

Pablo D. Fajgelbaum

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) ( email )

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Gene M. Grossman (Contact Author)

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs ( email )

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Princeton University - Department of Economics ( email )

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CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute) ( email )

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Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Elhanan Helpman

Harvard University - Department of Economics ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

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