What makes a successful export? Evidence from firm-product-level data

We analyse a very rich and unique panel database that provides information on exports at the firm-product level. Motivated by the recent theory of multi-product firms, we investigate what determines the survival of products in the export mix to find that, in export dynamics, characteristics of the product as well as that of the firm matter. In particular, firm productivity as well as product scale and tenure are associated with a higher export survival rate. This suggests, in line with theory, that there are firm- as well as firm-product-specific competencies that are important for shaping firms' export mix.