Features and evolution of global energy trade network based on domestic value-added decomposition of export

Abstract

With the extension and expansion of the global value chain of energy, the traditional trade accounting method is no longer able to reflect the intrinsic value flow and country gains of energy trade, which render it necessary to further analyze the value added of energy trade from the perspective of global value chain (GVC). Against this backdrop, we construct the Global Energy Trade Domestic Value-added (DVA) network and three sub-networks of it by means of the new trade accounting system, and shed light on the topological features and major driving factors of those networks, and get the following results. First, at the macro level, the growing DVA networks exhibit vivid core-periphery structure, display “small world” characteristics in the early stage but have the average path lengths increased later. At the medium level, the DVA networks are split into 3 communities, and the community structure of the trade for intermediate energy products remains constant, but the trade for final energy products is volatile. At the micro level, advanced and emerging economies stay at the core of global energy trade and play key intermediary roles. The USA and Germany are key players in the downstream and intermediate part of the GVC of the energy sector, while China is the core economy that imports intermediate energy products to manufacture final products for domestic consumption. Finally, economic and population resultant forces, historical links, bilateral trade agreements, especially common language and common currency are important driving factors of DVA network and its sub-networks.