Individual import dynamics and peer effects

A database will be developed to measure the impact of local importation activity on the individual decision to begin importing. This database will match trade data (Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGDDI)), balance sheet data (FICUS / FARE), group data (LIFI financial links between enterprises), and data on national production of manufactured goods (Annual production survey (EAP)). To overcome any potential omitted variable bias, a Bartik-type instrument will be used on employment area-year data. An alternative will be to exploit changes in trade policy, thus the interest in using a sample starting in the 1990s. We then aim to test the hypothesis that expected peer effects arise from peer effects between exporters. Export shocks will be exploited to separate local spillovers in the two activities. This will require detailed data on exports and domestic production by product.