Abstract:
This paper describes an evaluation of the drivers o
f the duration of grain
competitiveness in the European Union (EU-27) membe
r states on global markets from
2000 to 2011. Results indicate that most of the EU-
27 member states were competitive
with at least one segment of grain chain products.
The long-term competitiveness of grain
products differs between the EU-27 member states an
d across grain chain product
groups. Trade costs reduce, while agricultural endo
wments, the level of economic
development, export differentiation for final consu
mer grain products, EU enlargement
and recent EU membership increase the duration of g
rain competitiveness.
Competitiveness may be increased through sustainabl
e grain trade specialization with a
focus either on entering the market for diversified
niche products, or on developing a
competitive, global, integrated supply chain manage
ment system.
Keywords:
Grain competitiveness,
Global trade, Duration analysis, Discrete time mode
ls,
European Union.
