Indicators of export diversification and their role in international trade

Tomić, Milan and Stevandić, Srđan and Antonijević, Marija (2026) Indicators of export diversification and their role in international trade. Ekonomske ideje i praksa, 15 (62). pp. 79-102. ISSN 2738-1129

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Abstract

This paper introduces Div Index, an open and continuously updated database and interface for measuring export diversification with three standard metrics: the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, the Theil index with within and between components, and the Gini coefficient. The database is constructed from official merchandise trade and agricultural statistics, drawn from UN Comtrade and FAOSTAT, with coverage beginning in 1961 where available. Div Index delivers comparable series across multiple product classification systems, including HS, SITC, BEC, and CPC for agricultural data, as well as across different levels of product aggregation. Methods are fully documented, including the transparent treatment of zeros, reproducible formulas, and optional normalization of Theil by the logarithm of the number of lines. The platform supports country- and country-group-level profiles and provides ready-to-use outputs, including line charts, bar charts, geo maps, and CSV files suitable for statistical and econometric analysis. By unifying metrics, classifications, and aggregation in a single, well-documented database, Div Index delivers reproducible series for robust cross-country and over-time analysis in research and policy.

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