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A Study on the Impact Mechanism of Agricultural Trade on Agricultural Carbon Emissions

Author

Listed:
  • Yuxiang Luo

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Xinchen Gu

    (School of Architectural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
    Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100044, China)

  • Yi Zhang

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Ngoye Tonda Indy-Lee Anderson

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Dungang Zang

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Qianling Shen

    (College of Economics, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

Abstract

Controlling agricultural carbon emissions is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges. As a major player in agricultural trade, China needs to explore a specific pathway to reduce its agricultural carbon emissions. This study delves into the impact of China’s agricultural trade on agricultural carbon emissions: (1) The research demonstrates that agricultural trade (AT) significantly reduces China’s agricultural carbon emissions (ACEs), with robustness and endogeneity tests supporting these findings. (2) In the process of lowering agricultural carbon emissions, AT exerts both direct and indirect effects. The direct effect stems from the import substitution effect of agricultural trade, while the indirect effects include agricultural technological innovation (ATI) and the agricultural carbon emission intensity (ECI). (3) The reduction in ACEs is more pronounced in eastern regions, coastal areas, and non-major grain-producing regions. This study reveals the underlying mechanisms between AT and ACEs, suggesting that China has the potential to achieve mutual benefits in international trade and environmental protection. It also provides a trade-oriented perspective for formulating agricultural emission reduction policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuxiang Luo & Xinchen Gu & Yi Zhang & Ngoye Tonda Indy-Lee Anderson & Dungang Zang & Qianling Shen, 2025. "A Study on the Impact Mechanism of Agricultural Trade on Agricultural Carbon Emissions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5060-:d:1669203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Cole, Matthew A., 2004. "Trade, the pollution haven hypothesis and the environmental Kuznets curve: examining the linkages," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 71-81, January.
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