CGPA Working Paper: Gravity for Undergrads

The gravity equation is the “workhorse” model of international trade and the most popular tool for trade policy analysis. Yet, despite its solid theoretical foundations, remarkable empirical success, intuitive appeal, and ease of implementation, the gravity equation has not received proper introduction and well-deserved coverage that would enable and enhance research by undergraduate students and novices to the gravity literature. The objective of this chapter to introduce the gravity model of trade to the undergraduate student and to translate the theoretical gravity equation into an econometric model that can be used for a wide range of research projects and policy analysis.