The dynamics of exports and productivity at the plant level: A panel data error correction model (ECM) approach

This article examines the short-run and long-run dynamics of the export-productivity relationship for Turkish manufacturing industries. We use an error correction model (ECM) estimated using a system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to achieve this objective. Our results suggest that permanent productivity shocks generate larger long-run export level responses, as compared to long-run productivity responses from permanent export shocks. This result suggests that industrial policy should be geared toward permanent improvements in plant-productivity in order to have sustainable long-run export and economic growth.