Migration, networks and international trade

Since the early 1990s many studies have been conducted on the impact of international migration on international trade in goods and services. Because most studies have adopted broadly the same methodology, the estimates of how trade is affected by migration yield a set of numbers that can be effectively compared by a technique called meta-analysis. Contrary to what was traditionally believed, increasing trade does not necessarily reduce the incentives for migration. While there is evidence that immigration boosts exports more than imports in some countries, in other countries there appears to be evidence of trade balance deterioration. Implications for trade policies and broader international relations will be addressed.

Chair: Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor David Hogg, University of Leeds

Discussant: Professor Graham Clarke, University of Leeds

Contact: Professor Philip Rees, University of Leeds