This paper assesses for the first time the effect of regional trade openness on spatial
distribution of population within regions by using a database on exports and imports of sub-
national regions of Colombia from 1999 to 2010. Studies using such type of data are of
significant relevance because the concentration in large cities of regions can be reinforced
by trade. The results of our panel model show that the effect of trade on the spatial
concentration of population depends upon the characteristics of regions. On the one hand …

This paper assesses for the first time the effect of regional trade openness on agglomeration
within regions, using regional data on the trade of Colombia. The results of the panel model
show that the effect of trade is sufficiently strong to shape the spatial configuration, a
structure that rarely changes. The effect varies across regions. On the one hand, trade
enhances spatial agglomeration within regions with large home market and location
advantages. On the other hand, trade induces dispersion within regions that lack access to …