Consider the standard gravity equation for bilateral trade between any pair of countries, i and j :

Consider the standard gravity equation for bilateral trade between any pair of

countries, i and j : The distance (measured in flight time) between the Shanghai and

Beijing is 2 hours,

while the distance from Beijing to Tokyo is 3 hours. Bilateral trade between Shanghai

and Beijing is equal to 20% Shanghai's GDP, while bilateral trade between Beijing and

Tokyo is equal to 5% Tokyo's GDP.

a)

Is the information above consistent with the standard gravity model above? Why or why not?

b)In addition to flight time, shipments between Beijing and Tokyo are delayed

by customs inspection. If we assume that both trade between Beijing-Tokyo and trade between Beijing-Shanghai fit the standard gravity model, how many hours does this imply a shipment spends in customs between Beijing and Tokyo?