Research on Export Pricing: Still Moving toward Maturity

Abstract

Over the past four decades, there has been a considerable number of studies that have examined the determinants and outcomes of export pricing. However, despite this large volume of studies, the knowledge of the determinants and consequences of export pricing is characterized by a fragmented, diverse, and inconsistent collection of findings that hinders scholarship and practical advancement in the field. A major reason for this absence of clear insights is the lack of synthesis and assimilation of the fragmented knowledge. To address this gap in the literature, the authors review and evaluate 98 articles published between 1971 and 2010. The results indicate that although significant progress has been made in recent years, research on export pricing is still characterized by the lack of a strong theoretical basis, the failure to agree on the relevant determinants of export pricing, and some weakness in research designs and analytical techniques, which may explain the many contradictory and confusing findings in the literature. On the basis of these findings, the authors discuss several implications, and consider directions for further research.