Mapping the evolution of international antimony ores trade pattern based on complex network

Abstract

In the context of global demand for antimony ores is likely to fluctuate in the next few years, researchers should pay more attention to the evolution of international antimony ores trade pattern (IATP). This study adopts a complex network method to quantitatively analyze the evolution of IATP from 1993 to 2019 and provides some scientific references for policymakers. The evolution characteristics of IATP are systematically analyzed from three different perspectives of global, regional, and national. The results firstly show that the international antimony ores trade network (IATN) is a scale-free network. Secondly, the distribution of trade volume among the countries in the IATN obeys the 80/20 Rule, and this concentration phenomenon intensifies over time. Thirdly, the evolution of IATP shows a prominent globalization feature after entering the 21st century. Fourthly, China has been the core country in the IATN throughout the study period. Viet Nam and India are two promising countries whose status has risen markedly in recent years. Fifthly, the year 2001 is the “watershed” time of the IATP evolution. China's accession to the WTO in 2001 may be the main reason for this phenomenon. Finally, some policy recommendations are proposed mainly to some major countries.