Our study examines the spillover effects that arise from foreign and domestic exporting firms on the export decisions of local manufacturing firms in Vietnam between 2010 and 2018. There are positive horizontal spillover effects from both foreign and domestic exporting firms, while negative spillover effects are detected through the backward channel. Domestic exporting firms are found to generate positive forward spillover effects, whereas foreign direct investment exporting firms have negative forward spillover effects. Moreover, we observe opposite spillover effects from foreign and domestic exporting firms on the export exit of domestic firms, with a negative impact under the horizontal channel and a positive impact under the backward channel. Our research also reveals the effects of firms’ characteristics on the export participation and exit of domestic firms. The study suggests that the Vietnamese government should focus on enabling the FDI sector to create positive spillover effects, attracting foreign firms with export potential as well as supporting domestic exporting firms using and providing local intermediate inputs, and improving the technological and absorptive capabilities of domestic firms.
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