The Determinants of Intra-Oceanian Imports from 2001 to 2015: A Panel Gravity Model Approach

This article aims at identifying the main determinants of annual bilateral imports flows amongst 23 Oceanian territories from 2001 to 2015. The analysis quantifies the impact of adherence to the World Trade Organization and Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement on the import flows. When adherence to only one trade organization is considered, estimates establish a discrepancy between the official aims of trade agreements and their effective impact on bilateral imports flows. Adherence to only one trade agreement has a negative impact. However, when adherence to both trade agreements is jointly considered, estimates establish a positive impact from agreement adherence.