IMF Working Paper-How Far Has Globalization Gone? A Tale of Two Regions

December 8, 2023--Summary:
We study the evolution of trade globalization in a set of countries in Latin America (mostly the largest ones) and Asia over the past 25 years. Relying on structural gravity models, we first estimate a proxy of trade globalization that captures the ease of trading internationally with respect to trading domestically. Results indicate that the evolution of trade globalization since the mid-1990s has been similar between the two regions, but very heterogeneous within them.

Trade globalization has been particularly strong in agriculture, mining and manufacturing, but has lagged in services. The paper also documents that trade globalization has been particularly strong in agriculture, mining and manufacturing, but it lagged in services. Within region heterogeneity is associated to a set of trade policy instruments, including tariffs, non-tariff measures, WTO membership. and trade agreements. Next, we quantify the economic implications of the estimated globalization trends. Simulations of a multi-sector trade model point to heterogeneous long-term impacts of globalization on GDP-some countries exhibiting substantial gains and others experiencing large losses-, with no single sector playing a preponderant role.

view more


Bitnomial Joins ISG, Opening Door to More Crypto Spot ETFs

October 29, 2025-Issued on behalf of GoldHaven Resources Corp.
Prices have surged over 25% since early 2025[1], with the precious metal holding near the $4,000 per ounce level as investors pile into safe-haven assets amid ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty.

view more

Commodity Prices to Hit Six-Year Low in 2026 as Oil Glut Expands

October 29, 2025-Global commodity prices are projected to fall to their lowest level in six years in 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline, according to the World Bank Group's latest Commodity Markets Outlook.
Inflationary Pressures Ease, But Geopolitical Tensions Cloud Outlook

view more