Heterogeneity in international value chains: The economic function of French brokers in the fresh fruit and vegetables import industry

Using very original data in the import industry of fruits and vegetables, we consider the activity of trade intermediaries in an active way. To stick to recent developments of international economics literature and using the definitions provided by organizational economics, we argue that it worth considering brokers might have heterogeneous activities. Accounting for their heterogeneity we identify that differentiated value chains co-exist at the border point of the European Union market. We also highlight that French importers implement different safety strategies.