This paper explores the two competing hypotheses of self-selection and learning by exporting across different Italian manufacturing firms.Using matched sampling techniques that control for selection bias,we estimate whether new export-oriented firms aremore efficient compared to domestic firms...

In this paper I look at the size of Switzerland's gains from trade through the lens of the workhorse model of modern trade theory. The model finds that most of Switzerland's gains from trade originate from the EU and that realistic changes in the degree of trade integration with EU countries may...

This paper investigates the relationship between demographics and the current account. We analyze the impact of recent demographic changes and provide a forecast of its future impact. Overall, we find a strong and robust, non-linear demographic effect. In particular, we find a positive...

This paper quantifies the impact of trade tensions between the United States and China. Using a general equilibrium Ricardian trade model, it provides a Swiss-centric analysis of two tariff escalation shocks. Counterfactual analysis shows that welfare and trade effects are broadly negative for...

On 1 January 2024, Switzerland will implement a major trade policy reform by autonomously eliminating all tariffs on imports of industrial products regardless of their origin. After a brief review of the literature on unilateral trade liberalization and the current Swiss tariff landscape, this...

This paper investigates whether sanctions imposed in the wake of the Ukraine crisis by Western countries and Russia have been evaded by analyzing monthly product-level trade patterns. Consolidating different methods from the literature related to the detection of illicit trade, I find that goods...