Sectoral breakdown of total factor productivity in Chile, 1996-2010

Abstract

This article decomposes total factor productivity (TFP) by economic sector, using data from the Chilean economy’s input-output matrices for 1996, 2003 and 2010. The analysis focuses on the effects of changes in three areas: sectoral demand; the production mix and cross-sectoral transactions; and technological change. It finds that the latter two are the key drivers of productivity variations in the period analysed. Manufacturing industry; electricity, gas and water; and financial intermediation and business services have generated increases in the economy’s overall productivity, while the personal services sector may be acting as a constraint on growth. The article qualifies and contextualizes these conclusions.