The quality and pattern of intra-industry trade between the geographically proximate regions of Northern-Southern Ireland and Southern Ireland Great Britain

This paper examines the quality and pattern of the intra-industry trade (IIT) between the geographically proximate regions of Ireland, as well as Southern Ireland and Great Britain in 1978 and 1992. Relative unit values are calculated to ascertain qualitative differences in the exports of the regions. The intensity of IIT is measured using the Grubel-Lloyd index. Changes in the pattern of trade, whether of the inter or intra-industry type, are also calculated. We find major qualitative improvements in the South's exports, and a strengthening of her comparative advantage with regional trading partners.