Trade patterns in the process of European integration: Evidence for the intraindustrial exchanges of a Mediterranean peripheral region

The aim of this paper is to find out about the impact of the integration processes on peripheral regions, in connection with the growth of nontraditional trade or intraindustry trade. Firstly, the specialization pattern estimating the Grubel and Lloyd Indexes and decomposition by nature differentiation is described. Secondly, an econometric model based on a logistic function is elaborated to explain the determinants of this typology of flow developed in the region. The conclusions are clear: the predominance of the traditional interindustrial specialization and the growth of intraindustry trade differentiated by quality. This implies, according to smooth adjustment hypothesis, a more difficult and harder adjustment process after the exchanges liberalization. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014