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A Dynamic Evolutionary Analysis of the Vulnerability of Global Food Trade Networks

Author

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  • Hao Xu

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

  • Niu Niu

    (School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

  • Dongmei Li

    (Institute of Agricultural Economics and Information, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650205, China)

  • Chengjie Wang

    (School of Economics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

Abstract

The global food trade network (FTN) is a critical infrastructure for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The FTN’s vulnerability to geopolitical conflicts, public health crises, and climate change events directly impacts food security and the ability to meet the SDGs. This study aims to analyze the dynamic evolution of the vulnerability of FTN, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2022, to aim for strategies for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the global food system. Based on complex network analysis, we examine the structural characteristics and evolution of FTN for four major crops: soybeans, wheat, rice, and maize. We identify a trend towards increased network density and regionalization, with a decline in average shortest path length ( ASPL ) and an increase in the average clustering coefficient ( ACC ). These changes indicate a shift towards a more interconnected and resilient FTN in response to various shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. The findings suggest that the global FTN has adapted to increase resilience, which is essential for achieving the SDGs related to food security and sustainable development. The study’s insights can guide policy interventions to further strengthen the network against future shocks and promote global food security.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Xu & Niu Niu & Dongmei Li & Chengjie Wang, 2024. "A Dynamic Evolutionary Analysis of the Vulnerability of Global Food Trade Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:10:p:3998-:d:1391915
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Alicja Krzemińska & Anna Zaręba & Mariusz Adynkiewicz-Piragas & Haifeng Jia & María Guadalupe Alpuche Cruz & Luis Antonio Valle Cordero, 2025. "Underground Food Farms as a Climate-Friendly Alternative Form of Urban Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-29, October.
    3. Shurui Zhang & Ziyu Chen & Yingying Chen & Sisongyu Yang, 2025. "The Structure and Influencing Mechanisms of the Global Palm Oil Trade: A Complex Network Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-25, March.
    4. Roxana Voicu-Dorobanțu, 2025. "Crisis-Proofing the Fresh: A Multi-Risk Management Approach for Sustainable Produce Trade Flows," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-34, May.
    5. Junwen Cao & Qingya Lei, 2025. "Global agricultural trade network characteristics and its influencing factors," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
    6. Xiaopeng Wang & Chengyi Tu & Shuhao Chen & Sicheng Wang & Ying Fan & Samir Suweis & Paolo D'Odorico, 2024. "Quantifying Global Food Trade: A Net Caloric Content Approach to Food Trade Network Analysis," Papers 2411.18856, arXiv.org, revised Dec 2024.

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