Analysis of structural rigidities in interregional trade flow patterns

The question of estimating trade inertia and changes in trade inertia based on available trade flow data is investigated. General analytical and empirical principles relevant to determining impedances to flow are discussed. Extensions of principles found in entropy maximization and maximum likelihood are utilized in formulating a trade flow model inferred from flow data. Statistical analysis is used to examine the appropriateness of the model.; It is concluded that the exploratory research presented here supports the belief that continued research in the area of spatial interaction will be beneficial to the analysis of international trade.