Drivers of the Duration of Grain Competitiveness in European Union Countries

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.