Dynamics and determinants of export diversification in Brazil from 2003 to 2013

Abstract Brazil was successful in diversifying its export package from the 1960s to the beginning of the twenty-first century. However, this performance has been more ambiguous over the last decade. This study explores the literature on the impact of export diversification on economic growth and the determinants of successful diversification. More specifically, it analyzes the dynamics of Brazilian export diversification between 2003 and 2013. The results suggest that, overall, exports momentarily concentrated in 2004, 2008 and 2012, but rejoiced from a diversification spike in 2005. Southern and Southeastern states are found to have more diversified exports, but Central-West and Northeastern states have experienced higher diversification rates since 2006. Via a dynamic panel data analysis, using System General Methods of Moments estimation method, including all Brazilian states, past diversification performances, education, patents per capita, credits and public investments are found to be significant determinants of Brazilian export diversification.