Domestic and foreign trade credit in the Netherlands an econometric analysis

In this study the determinants of both domestic and foreign trade credit are investigated. Data were obtained from about 1600 industrial firms in The Netherlands with 100 or more employees and covering the period 1957–1971. The main findings are as follows. In the first place, (net) trade credit turns out to be a structural source of funds for the weaker firms in the simple. Secondly, these weaker firms receive more (net) trade credit when monetary policy is tightened (this could be an argument for the authorities to pursue a general monetary policy). Finally, it appears that it is especially the buyer (debtor) who may ‘lead’ or ‘lag’ international payments in the short run.