Trade and Turning Points in Labor Migration

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between trade and migration for the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand using three methods: (1) a comparison of graphic representations of trade and migration flows; (2) postulation and testing of a statistical relationship; and (3) a comparison of revealed comparative advantage for goods with that for services. In addition, trade and migration flows are presented for other Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The results reveal a correlation between turning points in trade and migration that supports the existing view that these flows are substitutes.