Publication: Learning to Export : Evidence from Moroccan Manufacturing
Date
2002-04
ISSN
Published
2002-04
Author(s)
Abstract
The authors test two alternative models
of learning to export: productivity learning, whereby firms
learn to reduce production cost, and, market learning,
whereby firms learn to design products that appeal to
foreign consumers. Using panel, and cross-section data on
Moroccan manufacturers, the authors uncover evidence of
market learning, but little evidence of productivity
learning. These findings are consistent with the
concentration of Moroccan manufacturing exports in consumer
items - the garment, textile, and leather sectors. It is the
young firms that export. Most do so immediately after
creation. The authors also find that, among exporters, new
products are exported very rapidly after production has
begun. The share of exported output nevertheless, increases
for 2-3 years after a new product is introduced. Old firms
are unlikely to switch to exports, even in response to
changes in macroeconomic incentives. The authors find a
positive relationship between exports, and productivity, and
conclude that it is the result of self-selection: it is the
more productive firms that move into exports. Policy
implications are discussed.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“Fafchamps, Marcel; El Hamine, Said; Zeufack, Albert. 2002. Learning to Export : Evidence from Moroccan Manufacturing. Policy Research Working Paper;No. 2827. © World Bank, Washington D.C.. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/13994 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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