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The abolition of the European sugar quota: transport time and distance from the field to the factory

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  • Herrmann, Friedrich
  • Hartig, Moritz
  • Isenhardt, Lars
  • Seifert, Stefan

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of the abolition of the European sugar quota in 2017 on transport times and distances between sugar beet fields and processing factories in Lower Saxony, Germany. Using parcel-level data from the EU Integrated Administration and Control System (2012–2024), soil quality information, and OpenStreetMap-based routing, three weighted regression models were estimated. Results show that transport times increased by 6–9% following quota abolition, implying higher procurement costs for sugar factories. This finding contrasts with earlier expectations of lower costs and welfare gains from sugar market liberalization. Additional factors such as ecological focus areas, maize expansion linked to biogas production, and soil quality also influenced transport outcomes. The study provides the first empirical evidence on transport cost effects of quota abolition in Germany, demonstrating that liberalization of final product markets does not necessarily generate efficiency gains in upstream agricultural input markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Herrmann, Friedrich & Hartig, Moritz & Isenhardt, Lars & Seifert, Stefan, 2026. "The abolition of the European sugar quota: transport time and distance from the field to the factory," 100th Annual Conference, March 23-25, 2026, Wadham College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK 397916, Agricultural Economics Society (AES).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aes026:397916
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.397916
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