Global Production: Firms, Contracts, and Trade Structure

Global Production is the first book to provide a comprehensive overview of the issues facing multinational companies and their global sourcing strategies. It discusses the contractual frictions that arise in the international system of production and how these frictions influence the world economy. It also provides a unified framework for determining production locations and other organizational choices and implements empirical tests to demonstrate the relevance of contractual factors in global production decisions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2020
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Global Production is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the complex challenges faced by multinational companies and their global sourcing strategies. In today's globalized economy, international trade transactions have shifted significantly, with a growing emphasis on the sale of individual components and intermediary services rather than finished goods. Many companies have adopted a global production model, where they outsource parts, components, and services to producers in different countries, often leveraging offshore operations. Contracts play a crucial role in these international production arrangements, as they are tailored to the specific parties and legal systems involved.

In his book, Pol Antràs delves into the contractual frictions that arise in the international system of production and their profound impact on the global economy. He discusses the intricate complexities that arise during contract negotiation and execution, highlighting the challenges that global firms encounter in navigating these processes. Antràs provides a unified framework that sheds light on the factors that influence global firms' production location decisions and other organizational choices. He also conducts rigorous empirical tests, using recent data from the U.S. Customs and Census Offices, to demonstrate the relevance of contractual factors in global production decisions.

Global Production adopts an integrated approach, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates interested in the intricacies of international economics and trade. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the global production landscape, covering topics such as offshoring, supply chain management, and international trade agreements. It offers insights into the strategies employed by multinational companies to optimize their operations and achieve competitive advantage in the global market. By examining the role of contracts in global production, Antràs contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape international business and trade.

In conclusion, Global Production is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the global economy. With its comprehensive coverage, rigorous empirical analysis, and insightful framework, the book provides valuable insights into the world of international production and trade. It is an essential resource for researchers, students, and professionals alike, who are interested in exploring the complex dynamics of the global marketplace.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691209036