FACTORS DETERMINING THE DIRECTION AND VOLUME OF THE EXTERNAL TRADE OF ETHIOPIA: 1957 - 1993 (AN ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHIC PERSPECTIVE)

Abstract

This paper allempls to explore the status alld .orientation of
Ethiopia's foreign trade from 1957 to 1993. First, the prinCiples of trade
are briefly stated. These make part of the explanatory variables (IS regards
the basis and orientation of the extemal trade. Second, the volume,
measured in terms oj value, and oriel/tation of the external trade are
presented. Third, the role of the explallatory factors - trade theories.
poliCies, alld political conditions ill determining the volume and geographic
orientatiOll of trade and selection of trade partners are discussed, giving
specific examples. Finally. a recapitulation of the findings is made and the
lessons that can be drawn are highlighted