The increase in global trade and the ongoing erosion of trade barriers makes the analysis of trade patterns one of the key areas in international economics. Much of the post-war expansion of trade took the form of intra-industry trade (IIT). This paper presents a simple geometric tool to analyse trade patterns specifically inter and intra-industry trade and the compatibility between levels and measures of IIT. The applicability our methodology is demonstrated using the UKs trade experience during the critical period of EU integration 1988-1997.

JEL Classification: F19