Uruguay and the first globalization: on the accuracy of export performance, 1870-1913 Articles uri icon

publication date

  • September 2015

start page

  • 287

end page

  • 320

issue

  • 2

volume

  • 33

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0212-6109

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 2041-3335

abstract

  • In order to understand Uruguay's long-run economic evolution it becomes crucial to interpret its export performance during the First Globalization. The lack of accuracy of official figures, especially official prices used, calls for an adjustment of Uruguayan export series. We have used empirical evidence to test the accuracy of quantities and values of export records, first, according to import partners' records and, second, according to international market prices. Results show a general undervaluation of official export values during the period along with severe distortions in the registers caused by transit trade. We reconstructed new Uruguayan export f.o.b values and an export price index which present a more unstable and less dynamic export evolution than that of neighbouring Argentina.

subjects

  • Economics
  • History

keywords

  • bilateral trade; accuracy indices; exports; uruguay; first globalization; comercio bilateral; indicadores de precisión; exportaciones; uruguay; primera globalización