Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/193146 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
Discussion Paper No. 183
Publisher: 
Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO), Halle (Saale)
Abstract: 
We investigate wheat price relationships between the import-dependent countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus and the Black Sea wheat exporters to assess wheat market efficiency which is crucial for ensuring availability and access to wheat and for reducing food insecurity. Results of linear and threshold error correction models suggest strong influence of trade costs on market integration in Central Asia, while those costs are of minor importance in the South Caucasus. In particular, wheat trade in Central Asia is characterized not only by higher transportation costs but also unofficial payments play a large role. In addition, wheat price volatility is substantially higher in the wheat importing countries of Central Asia compared to the South Caucasus. To foster market functioning, wheat trade should be facilitated by policies reducing trade costs. This includes investments in grain market infrastructure, eliminating unofficial payments, but also resolving geopolitical conflicts. However, wheat trade in this region is characterized by large distances, low scope for import diversification and repeated export restrictions by Black Sea exporters. Therefore, trade enhancing policies should be complemented with policies increasing wheat self-sufficiency to enhance food security.
Subjects: 
price transmission
wheat market integration
transportation costs
food security
Central Asia
the South Caucasus
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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