Study On International Competitiveness Of Apple Exports From China To Countries Along The “Belt And Road”

In September and October 2013,General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the strategic concept of jointly building the "Silk Road Economic Belt" and the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road",namely the "One Belt,One Road" initiative.The proposal of the "Belt and Road" initiative is conducive to promoting the orderly operation of the global economy,and will have a positive and far-reaching impact on the economic and social development of China and the countries along the route.The trade of agricultural products is an important part of the trade of goods in the countries along the “Belt and Road”,apples play a prominent role in the export trade of agricultural products,and it is of great theoretical and practical significance to explore the level of international competitiveness and influencing factors of China’s apple exports to countries along the "Belt and Road" for promoting the development of China’s apple export.Using the macro panel data of apple export trade between China and the "the Belt and Road" countries from 2006 to 2021,this paper firstly analyzes the trade status of China’s apple exports along the "Belt and Road" countries,and secondly uses the international market share indicators,revealed comparative advantage index,the trade competition index and fixed market share index to measure the international competitiveness of apple exports between China and countries along the “Belt and Road”.Finally,an expanded trade gravity model is constructed to analyze the factors that may affect China’s apple exports to countries along the“Belt and Road”.This paper draws the following conclusions:(1)From the perspective of export status,the quantity of China’s apple exports to countries along the " Belt and Road" fluctuates greatly,and the export amount fluctuates upward,the export of apple to countries along the " Belt and Road" accounts for a relatively high proportion,China’s apple export markets to countries along the "Belt and Road" are mainly concentrated in Mongolia,Russia,ASEAN,South Asia and Central Asia.(2)From the perspective of international competitiveness,compared with countries along the "Belt and Road",the international market share,trade competition index and demonstrative comparative advantage index of China’s apple products are at a high level,China’s apple products has strong international competitiveness.(3)From the perspective of export impact factors,the total population,GDP per capita,liner transport related indexes and signing of the "Belt and Road" agreement of the countries along the "Belt and Road" significantly positively affect China’s apple exports to the countries along the "Belt and Road";Geographical distance,China’s per capita GDP,and the average export price of apples have a significant negative impact on China’s apple exports to countries along the "Belt and Road".According to the research conclusions of this paper,the following countermeasures and suggestions are put forward to help promote the export of Chinese apples to countries along the “Belt and Road”:(1)Improve the quality of Apple products and enhance trade competitiveness;(2)Control production cost and promote apple export;(3)Promote infrastructure development and strengthen connectivity;(4)Focus on brand building and increase international awareness.