Dynamique des spécialisations et performances commerciales des pays d'Europe centrale et orientale (PECO)

Overview & Synopsis

This paper investigates the impact of trade specialization on export's performances of seven Central and Eastern European countries between 1992 and 2008. We use a dynamic method based on Revealed Comparative Advantages. We show that former USSR countries have increased their specialization in raw materials, whereas other CEEC countries have developed new comparative advantages, mainly in the automotive sector. Finally, using a Constant Market Share Analysis, we show that since 2000 export performances of Russia and Ukraine are entirely due to trade specialization unlike other CEEC export performances which are mainly the result of a good external competitiveness, even if specialization effect contributes positively.