Analysis On The Impact Of The Different Strictness Of The MRLs Standard On China's Tea Export Trade

Steming from concerns about the natural environment and human health,the impacts of food safety and quality standards on international trade have sparked a wide ranges of discussions.The residues of pesticide and veterinary drugs not only directly threaten human health,but also can cause ecosystem degradation by virtue of harmful substances left in the natural environment.The maximum residue limits(MRLs)of agricultural and veterinary drugs have emerged as one of the most important food quality and safety standards,as non-tariff measures(NTM)in international agricultural trade,production companies and importing countriesr are required to compulsorily follow.The gap in the strictness of national/regional standards will not only hinder market access,but may also boost consumer demand through the release of quality and safety signals.To determine whether the difference in the strictness of MRLs standards is a trade resistance or a catalyst requires more detailed analysis.As the world's largest tea producer and exporter,China's tea pesticide residue standards are underdeveloped.This study focuses on the impact of the difference in strictness of MRLs standards between China and importing countries/regions on tea exports.Firstly,it conducts a theoretical analysis of the mechanism from the perspectives of producers and consumers;secondly,collating standard panel data of tea MRLs in various countries/regions,based on the international trade gravity model,mixed OLS,double fixed effects and PPML empirical estimation strategies have been carried out to examine the theoretical hypothesis;finally,brief conclusions and policy implications are drawn.The results show that as the strictness of tea MRLs standards between China and importing countries gradually harmonize,China's tea export volume will be restrained to a certain extent,export prices will rise,and the total export value will not change significantly.The result is relatively robust and in line with the theory.The expected short-term effects refute the view that standard harmonize will increase trade flows.However,in view of the inconsistency between the policy environment and consumer safety needs of various countries,the impact results will also be different.It is not advisable to blindly encourage policy makers to meet the standards of importing countries.To promote tea trade,it is important to reduce the additional costs brought about by differences in standards,optimize and upgrade the tea industry,meet diversified consumer demand,and enahce competitiveness of product exports.