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Analysis of Agri-Food Trade Structures

To Promote Agri-Food Trade Networks

In the Islamic Countries

2

proportion had increased to 8.0%. Consistent with this result, OIC exports grew at an

average annualized rate of 5.9%over that time period, compared with 5.0% for non-OIC

exports.

4.

Both at the global level and within the OIC, trade networks in agricultural products have

a strong intra-regional dimension. Trade costs, including those due to geography, are an

important determinant of this outcome. Over time, inter-regional links are becoming

more important in some cases, but there is significant variation by product. However,

there is also an important degree of cross-sectoral heterogeneity at play, so the degree

of concentration or dispersion in a network depends in part on product characteristics.

5.

Regional trade agreements (RTAs) play an important role in promoting this intra-

regional dynamic, but the effect varies markedly across regions, time periods, and

product groups. Nonetheless, there is evidence that preferential margins are

substantial, and much of world trade in agricultural products—and intra-OIC trade—

takes place within RTAs.

6.

Agreements with neighboring regions, such as the EU, are likely also a significant driver

of growth in extra-OIC trade in agricultural products. For African countries, Regional

Economic Communities (RECs) also play a significant role, as they shape both trade and

agricultural policies on a regional level.

7.

It is difficult to talk about a single OIC trade network in agricultural products because of

strong regional dynamics just referred to. Rather there are largely separate networks

within the OIC based on intra-regional trade. Moreover, the characterization of OIC

trade networks in this sector is difficult because of the very important role played by

extra-OIC trade for many countries and products.

8.

From a policy perspective, it is not a negative feature of intra-OIC trade that clear

networks do not emerge from the data in some cases. Trade flows are the result of a

complex interplay between policy, geography, and productivity (comparative

advantage). In some cases, this interplay displays distinct characteristics—such as the

role of Turkey and Saudi Arabia as hub countries for some products. But in other cases,

trade links are relatively dispersed due to the tendency for agricultural trade to be in

dissimilar goods (exploiting geographical differences), and influenced by trade policies

including regional and cross-regional trade agreements.

9.

There is evidence that most regions—both within and outside the OIC—are becoming

more geographically diversified in their export patterns. This is another reason why

simplistic network analysis is not appropriate for this sector. Rather, it is important to

look at evolving dynamics, and to recognize the importance of market potential both

inside and outside particular groupings. There is a clear movement in the agricultural

sector towards trading with more distant partners, and this movement is likely to

intensify as mega-regional and cross-regional trade agreements become more common.

10.

Reference to a measure like Theoretical Revealed Comparative Advantage (TRCA) can

help policymakers identify potential growth sectors, and the report contains detailed

information on this measure, which is highly country and product specific. It is a more