Search

This paper uses network analysis to evaluate the extent to which the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is able to maintain its centrality in the context of the emerging economic integration in the Asia Pacific region. Employing methodology derived from network analysis, this paper maps Asia Pacific-related trade flows, and also determines the corresponding strength of these trade flows using appropriate centrality measures as defined and applied in network analysis. This paper finds that on average, ASEAN as a group is not upholding centrality within the Asia Pacific region, except when considering trade intensity, where ASEAN's average eigenvector centrality from 2007 to 2013 is higher than that of the network. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Networked trade in parts and components is more sensitive to the importer's logistics performance than is final goods trade. The difference between the two trade semi-elasticities is over 45%, which is quantitatively important. We also find that logistics performance is particularly important for trade among developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, which is where the emergence of production networks has been most pronounced. Logistics performance is also more important for South–South trade than for South–North trade. Our results suggest that developing country policymakers can support the development of international production networks by improving trade logistics performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]