International Trade and Multinational Activity : Heterogeneity of Firms, Incentives for Foreign Direct Investment, and International Business Cycle Dynamics

This study investigates the dynamic welfare effects of exposure to trade in a new trade model, which is extended by firm heterogeneity. It is analyzed under which conditions exposure to trade with firm heterogeneity increases or decreases steady state welfare of a country. It uses a new trade model to explore which country-specific conditions give rise to horizontal or vertical multinational activity. Finally, it combines the Heckscher-Ohlin model and a new trade model with horizontal multinational firms.