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An Analysis of the Pricing of Traits in the U.S. Corn Seed Market

Author

Listed:
  • Shi, Guanming

    (University of Wisconsin)

  • Chavas, Jean-Paul

    (University of Wisconsin)

  • Steigert, Kyle

    (University of Wisconsin)

Abstract

This paper investigates the pricing of patented traits in the U.S. hybrid corn seed market under imperfect competition. In a multiproduct context, we first examine how substitution/complementarity relationships among products can affect pricing. This is used to motivate multi-product generalizations of the Herfindahl-Hirschman index (GHHI) capturing cross-market effects of imperfect competition on bundle pricing. The GHHI model is applied to pricing of conventional and patented biotech seeds in the US from 2000-2007. One major finding is that standard component pricing in biotech traits is soundly rejected in favor of subadditive bundle pricing. The econometric estimates show how changes in market structures (as measured by both own- and cross-Herfindahl indexes) affect U.S. corn seed prices.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi, Guanming & Chavas, Jean-Paul & Steigert, Kyle, 2009. "An Analysis of the Pricing of Traits in the U.S. Corn Seed Market," Staff Paper Series 544, University of Wisconsin, Agricultural and Applied Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:wisagr:544
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics

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