ESPECIALIZAÇÃO E COMPETITIVIDADE DO NORDESTE NO MERCADO INTERNACIONAL

Abstract

This paper analyses the Northeast specialization in the foreign trade. Revealed comparative advantage indexes are calculated and the sources of these advantages are discussed. The paper quantifies the content of inputs of the Region, such as natural resources, labor and physical capital, in the foreign trade. We also quantify the Northeast intraindustry trade. Using these indexes, the paper identifies the Northeast products which are more competitive in the foreign trade. The results show that the Region has gained comparative advantage is some manufactured products recently. On the other hand, the factor intensities show increasing share of the capital-intensive goods and low share of laborintensive goods in Northeast exports. The paper concludes that Regional exports performance reflects not only comparative advantage but also the incentive system, commercial barriers and prefe[1]rence system of international trade.