We test the relationship between size of regional trade agreement (RTA) and regional trade bias using a gravity equation on a large sample of 143 countries for the period 1980-2003. We find that regional trade bias declines with the size of the club and that three of the four expanding RTAs have...

We examine the roles of regional trade agreements (RTAs) not only in regionalization processes but also in the globalization process. Results confirm that a country can noticeably increase directional trade, particularly exports, through diplomatic relations as well as through membership