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Quality upgrading in the European-Union agri-food exports

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  • Ferto, Imre
  • Bojnec, Stefan

Abstract

The paper investigates determinants of quality upgrading in the European Union agri-food exports using panel data models in the 2000-2011 period. Employing highly disaggregated data we show that export unit value is positively associated with level of economic development and the size of population. Our results indicate negative impacts of comparative advantages and trade costs on export quality upgrading. Estimations confirm the important role of income distribution in quality specialization. The income inequality increases specialization in high quality varieties for rich countries. Results are robust to alternative subsamples including vertical specialized and final agri-food products.

Suggested Citation

  • Ferto, Imre & Bojnec, Stefan, 2015. "Quality upgrading in the European-Union agri-food exports," 89th Annual Conference, April 13-15, 2015, Warwick University, Coventry, UK 204225, Agricultural Economics Society.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:aesc15:204225
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.204225
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    Cited by:

    1. Bastos, Paulo & Silva, Joana, 2010. "The quality of a firm's exports: Where you export to matters," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(2), pages 99-111, November.
    2. Anna Carbone & Federica Demaria & Roberto Henke, 2021. "The Sophistication of International Wine Trade: A New Import Measure," Italian Economic Journal: A Continuation of Rivista Italiana degli Economisti and Giornale degli Economisti, Springer;Società Italiana degli Economisti (Italian Economic Association), vol. 7(2), pages 199-218, July.

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    Agricultural and Food Policy; International Relations/Trade;

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