Productivity Before and After Exports: The Case of Korean Food Processing Firms

In this article, we analyze the export decision of Korean manufacturing firms with emphasis on those in the food processing sector. A dynamic discrete choice model based on sunk (entry or exit) costs is specified for export behavior. Data for 1996-2002 on 1022 Korean firms, of which 95 are in the food processing sector, are assembled. A nonparametric measure of firm productivity is derived for use in the export-behavior (probit) model. Results show the significant effects of sunk costs on the export decision of Korean firms. A firm-size effect on export behavior is identified for food processing firms, unlike in the case of their manufacturing counterparts. We also find a firm-size effect on productivity in all manufacturing firms