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Brokers vs. Retailers: Evidence from the French Imports Industry of Fresh Produce

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  • Latouche, Karine
  • Rouviere, Elodie

Abstract

There is burgeoning discussion in the literature about trade intermediaries and more precisely about their specific role in trade. Using very original data, our article sheds light on the behavior of trade intermediaries when importing fresh fruits and vegetables in France. To do so, we distinguish the shares of direct and indirect imports of fresh produce respectively operated through French brokers and through French retailers. Accounting for the bounded nature of the share, we show that brokers are more likely than retailers to operate in small countries with high variable costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Latouche, Karine & Rouviere, Elodie, 2012. "Brokers vs. Retailers: Evidence from the French Imports Industry of Fresh Produce," 2012 Annual Meeting, August 12-14, 2012, Seattle, Washington 123331, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaea12:123331
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.123331
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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Industrial Organization; International Relations/Trade;

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • Q17 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agriculture in International Trade
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy

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