World production and trade of pistachios: the role of the U.S. and factors affecting the export demand of U.S. Pistachios

ABSTRACT: The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of the US in the worldwide production and trade of pistachios, identify and estimate the major factors affecting export demand for US pistachios in 21 major markets, accounting for 78 percent of total US pistachio exports. The study estimated the impacts of US pistachio own price, cross price, importing markets’ GDP, real exchange rates and effect of food safety shocks. A panel data analysis was conducted using data from 1989 to 2009. A Houseman test indicated that the random effects estimator was the chosen estimator. Elasticity analysis indicated that US pistachio demand showed own price elastic, income elastic and real exchange rate elastic, while cross price and food safety shock inelastic. The review concluded with a general positive effect. Consequently, to maintain international market share, US pistachio producers need to take advantage of their advanced technology and reputation for higher food safety standards, comply with regulations under the marketing order, focus on product diversification and find solutions to improve current food safety issues University of Kentucky Master's Theses. Paper 123. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/123

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