Private standards and international trade

Recent changes in the agrifood sector has fuelled the use of private quality standards. These standards are set by private actors and function as a form of risk management tool for buyers in the food sector. By using suppliers certified to a private standard, buyers try to reduce the risk of buying low-quality products. Private standards are voluntary and not required for market access. However, private standards are likely to affect international food trade in practice as importers may prefer certified producers. Hence, it is possible that certification to a certain standard are important for exporters.

In this study we examine the relationship between private food standards and international trade. In particular, we quantify the effects of certification to GlobalGAP on EU imports of fruits and vegetables at product level using econometric methods. Our analysis provides new insights into how private standards affect both the decision on whether to import (the extensive margin) and the decision on how much to import (the intensive margin).

The project is a summary of previous studies and is expected to be completed in spring 2018.

Responsible: Anna Andersson 

Responsible:


Anna Andersson

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