Irish Manufacturing Export Dynamics: Evidence of Exporter Heterogeneity in Boom and Slump Periods

This paper explores export dynamics, using an unbalanced plant-level panel data set of Irish manufacturing plants between 1985 and 2003. The analysis focuses closely on two periods: one of exceptional export growth and one of significant export decline. We find strong evidence of exporter heterogeneity, as measured by individual exporter behaviour running contrary to aggregate trend, in both boom and slump years. The degree of heterogeneity differs markedly by sub-sector and firm size. Despite high levels of entry/exit into and out of export markets in the boom/slump, the export dynamics are dominated by the export activities of continuing exporters. JEL no. E32, F14