Dr. Mark D. Witte

Dr. Mark David Witte is a Professor of Economics at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on international trade, international finance, open economy macroeconomics, and related fields including sports economics, labor economics, and comparative economics. In addition to his academic research, he consults on civil law cases involving economic damages and financial analysis. He also serves as a faculty associate and macroeconomic forecaster with the Office of Economic Analysis and works with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce as part of its Economic Outlook Board.

Dr. Witte earned his Ph.D. in Economics from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2007 and received his B.S. in Economics, summa cum laude, from University of Nebraska Omaha in 2001. At the College of Charleston, he teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and International Economics.

His published research includes work on international finance and economic policy. Selected publications include “The Effects of IMF Loan Condition Compliance on GDP Growth,” co-authored with Frank Hefner and Lauren Hackler and published in The American Economist in 2020, as well as “Preferred Habitat, Window Dressing, or Both? Evidence from Foreign Exchange Swaps in Taiwan,” co-authored with Hao-Chen Liu and published in the Review of Pacific Basin Financial Markets and Policies in 2019.

If you recall, what influenced your decision to become a member of the International Atlantic Economic Society?

One of the great pleasures of the IAES is the opportunity to learn from so many researchers around the world. Every conference is a whirlwind of ideas, methodologies and approaches. It’s such a treat to learn a myriad of new things from so many bright people.

What types of projects/research are you currently working on and what inspired/motivated you to pursue these interests?

Presently, I’m working on quantifying the impact of Italian export composition and intensity on household Italian wages. It’s quite a task. There’s a wonderful challenge in acquiring both micro household data and then matching it with corresponding transaction level trade data. I’m going to have a very busy summer!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering your line of work/field of study?

To anyone who is interested in working with micro level trade data, I would suggest the importance of finding researchers with similar interests. Blind spots are a real problem when working alone. My research product is greatly improved by the feedback of others and the skills, knowledge and, often patience, of my co-authors.

Going forward, what other projects/research are you planning or hoping to pursue?

In an ideal world, I’d like to continue to study how the intensity of international trade/finance relationships impact other economic phenomenon. I’ve published some research which suggests that immigrants often bring trade relationships with them to their new home country. I’m very curious about other types of linkages.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Hiking! Every day on the mountain is a beautiful day… even if you wake up a little sore the next morning.