This study aimed at the participation of intra-sectorial commerce of export results in Ceara state and its impacts on main economic variables from 1996 to 2004. The intensity of this type of commercial transactions was identified, based on the Index considered for Grubel and Lloyd (1975). Consequently, it was analyzed its contribution for the total of internationally commercialized merchandises, based on methodology proposed for Menon and Dixon (1996). The analysis of the data show that intra-sectorial commerce has a small contribution at total commerce results and, despite some primary products and mineral participate, manufactures are main products. Regarding impacts on main economic variable, it was verified that the intra-sectorial commerce has positive effect on the generation of new jobs. However, its intensification can provoke increases in the concentration of export guideline and in the income level while reduces the degree of commercial aperture of Ceara state.
international trade; differentiated products; intra-industry trade
