The broad objective of this study is to explore global sugar trade networks between 2012 and 2021. It incorporates geographical elements and the complex trade network literature to evaluate the macro and micro dynamics of sugar trade.
This study utilized the Observatory for Economic Complexity dataset to construct a global sugar trade network of the 220 highest-valued trade networks. The igraph and bipartite packages in R software were also applied for network analysis and centrality assessments.
Results showed significant shifts in the sugar network's structure during the study period. Brazil and the USA maintained their respective positions, while emerging participants showed changes in their centrality measures and intermediary roles. Findings also showed that the export network became clustered, while clustering in the import network peaked in 2015 before declining by 2021.
This analysis is based on monetary trade value and does not consider trade quantity, trade price, policies, or routing. Furthermore, the preset top-220 criterion overlooks lower-value trade connections.
This study adds value to this literature by linking the global sugar network with the network positions of several economies. This study also demonstrates the potential usefulness of studying structural change in sugar trade networks and geo-economics for assessing agri-food globalization and trade resilience.
