Trade Research Articles

Understanding the Republic of Malawi’s trade dynamics: A Bayesian gravity model approach

International trade enables countries to expand their markets, access more products, improve resource allocation, and boost economic growth by leveraging comparative advantage and specialization. The aim of this article is to analyze the primary factors that influence Malawi’s international trade flows. The study is relevant because it examines Malawi’s trade patterns with its main partners, which include surrounding nations and traditional trade allies. The novelty is that, through the analysis, the research offers valuable insights into the primary factors that influence Malawi’s international commerce. Panel data is gathered from various sources, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, covering the period from 2000 to 2023 for 11 countries that are trading partners with Malawi. We employ the Bayesian Mindsponge gravity methodology. The results show that the economic size (characterized by the gross domestic product) of the origin and destination countries, bilateral agreements, and the population size of the destination country have a beneficial impact on Malawi’s exports. In conclusion, Malawi’s export performance is significantly enhanced by the economic size of both Malawi and its trading partners, the existence of bilateral agreements, and the population size of the destination countries, underscoring the importance of strategic economic partnerships and targeted trade policies in boosting Malawi’s international trade. We recommend Malawi authorities focus on strengthening bilateral agreements and targeting trade relationships with larger and more populous economies to boost international trade.

Analysis of the Competitiveness of Digital Service Trade Between China and RCEP Partner Countries

Abstract: Based on the digital service trade data from China and RCEP partner countries from 2008 to 2022, this study analyzes the current status of digital service trade, including export scale, structure, and policies. It calculates the international market share and trade competitiveness index, and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall competitiveness of digital service trade and the competitiveness levels by industry within RCEP countries. The study finds that while the international competitiveness of digital service trade between China and RCEP partner countries is relatively weak, the development speed is relatively fast. In response, China should increase efforts in digital infrastructure construction with RCEP partners, promote digital technology research and innovation; enhance digital security and privacy protection, and improve relevant laws and policies; reduce barriers to digital service trade, and increase the influence in formulating digital trade rules; strengthen political mutual trust among RCEP countries, and deepen cooperation in digital service trade.

On-site detection of OTA and AFB1 based on branched hybridization chain reaction coupled with lateral flow assay

Mycotoxins are widely prevalent in various agricultural commodities, whose excessive consumption can pose significant risks to human health. In this study, we developed a facile mycotoxin detection platform based on branched hybridization chain reaction coupled with lateral flow assay. Ochratoxin A/Aflatoxin B1 bind to aptamers triggering the release of initiators, which leads to bHCR amplification and forms three-dimensional dendritic DNA nanostructures. Using the functionalized quantum dots as a fluorescent label, by leveraging smartphones and handheld ultraviolet lamps, the qualitative and quantitative detection of OTA and AFB1 can be achieved with a significantly enhanced sensitivity level, surpassing that of commercial test strips by 2–3 orders of magnitude. The visual detection limits for OTA and AFB1 were 30 pg/mL and 4 pg/mL, respectively. This approach eliminates the necessity for enzyme catalysis or the preparation and purification of antibodies and/or hapten, thereby reducing testing expenses and streamlining operational procedures. Moreover, substituting aptamer and nucleic acid sequences can effectively expand the scope of detection targets. Consequently, the as-proposed strategy exhibits great potential as a versatile technique, suitable for various analytical scenarios due to its sensitivity, accuracy, simplicity, and portability.

A novel model for rural household photovoltaic market trading: Utilizing cooperative alliances within a peer-to-peer framework

In the face of diminishing traditional subsidy models and the constraints of grid-dependent transactions, this study explores trading models as a catalyst for rural electrification and sustainable development in China. Highlighting the emergence of rural photovoltaic (PV) prosumers, we propose trading models through cooperative alliances to facilitate market engagement within a peer-to-peer (P2P) framework. By applying the Shapley value for the equitable distribution of internal revenues, the study elucidates the complex interrelations between rural prosumers and the electrical grid, fostering a better understanding of their mutual interests. Further, we introduce a dynamic game-theoretic model to investigate the evolving market behaviors under diverse strategic influences among rural prosumer groups and the grid. Using numerical simulations based on real-world data from Shanghang County, Fujian Province, we analyze surplus and deficit electricity production scenarios within these alliances. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the cooperative alliance trading model in aligning individual, collective, and societal benefits. This comparative analysis of strategic outcomes validates the model's feasibility and role in advancing sustainable rural electrification strategies.

Analysis of Wheat Export Performance in India

Wheat is a plant which is valued highly for its kernel as an edible part and an important source of carbohydrates. India ranks second position in wheat production in the world with a contribution of roughly 13.53 per cent to global wheat output (Naga Latha et. al., 2022). The study analyses the export performance of wheat and examines the trends in the growth performance of wheat in terms of area, production and productivity, export quantity and export value during 1973-2022 which is a period of 50 years. The analysis reveals that the highest compound growth rate in terms of area was 1.16 per cent, production was 4.49 per cent and productivity was 3.29 per cent respectively. The results of the study on the compound growth rates during the study periods have shown positive and increasing value which indicates high potential for the export of wheat from India. In the analysis of instability, there exists a high positive correlation between the export quantity and value of export in the overall period. Wheat area, production and productivity exhibit higher variability and instability in the overall period. Period II shows lower variability and instability, indicating increased stability. Period I exhibits moderate variability and instability. The overall period has the highest instability, suggesting unpredictable production. Instability indices show high instability at 126.97 per cent in Period I and 138.18 per cent overall, while Period II exhibits moderate instability at 101.94 per cent. Market volatility, trade policies, economic fluctuations, weather patterns and production variability contribute to these fluctuations. As of trend analysis, there is a positive and significant increase. The NPC value of wheat during the overall period was 0.051, it indicates that the commodity is not protected. NPC<1 indicates that the commodity is exportable and possesses export competitiveness and hence the hypothesis i.e. Indian wheat has better competitiveness in the International market.

Importance of English in Commerce from International Perspective

English is a widely spoken language, which is used in day-to-day transactions in international sphere. Without English international communication can’t happen smoothly and there lies the importance of English. Present research paper will try to understand the importance of English in commerce from international perspective and the solution over the problem where still the knowledge of English is not provided and thereby commercially those people are backward due to barrier of language. Commerce is a very important sector, which deals with monetary transactions, sales and marketing, portfolio investments and all banking transactions. When you think about International Commerce you see the communication is purely business but it involves English extensively. In international transactions English is a barrier to those who don’t know the language and for the people who are fluent in English, for them it is like their mother tongue. English and Commerce are two different sectors, but in international sphere they are interdependent. Mere commercial transactions won’t run successfully if you can’t communicate in English. So, it’s very important that the people who are involved in Commerce sector should have sound knowledge of English and they should fluently able to communicate in English. In this research paper, we will find the difficulties faced by the people involved in commerce sector while dealing with English and will try to find out the solution over this.

Strategic behaviors of renewable energy generation companies participating in the electricity and carbon coupled markets based on non-cooperative game theory

Renewable energy (RE) can participate in electricity and carbon market trading in China, which can help stimulate the investment of RE. Thus, we propose a bi-level model for non-cooperative game interactions among power generation companies (GenCos), considering the electricity and carbon coupled markets. The upper-level model considers strategic behaviors driven by maximizing profits for GenCos. The lower-level model includes a two-stage electricity market: the day-ahead market and the real-time market; it implements joint clearing of energy and reserves, and continuous trading with competitive auctions in the carbon market based on the clearing results of the electricity market. Simulations are performed based on the actual data of the power system in a certain region of Guangdong Province in China. The results show that electricity and carbon coupled markets can effectively reduce market costs and carbon emissions, improve the society welfare and RE benefits. The uncertain increase in RE output and higher installed capacity reduce the total revenue of the RE in the coupled markets. The initial carbon quota decomposition optimization decision of the coal-fired GenCos and gradual reduction in the initial carbon quota will increase the revenue of the RE GenCos.

How does informed trading affect credit bond spreads: Evidence from China's interbank bond market

China's interbank bond market is an institutional investor market, and transactions are more information-based. Whether and how informed trading can affect credit bond pricing is an urgent problem to be solved in the study of China's bond asset pricing. This paper uses credit bond issuance and trading data and stock high-frequency trading data from May 2014 to December 2020 to construct informed trading probability and bond liquidity indicators. Using regression analysis and adjustment and mediation effect test methods, this paper studies the impact of informed trading on China's interbank credit bond pricing and the channel role of liquidity. The results show that the probability of informed trading has a significant positive impact on credit bond spreads. Informed trading leads to an increase in credit bond spreads by amplifying bond illiquidity. The amplifying effect of informed trading on credit bond spreads is stronger for bonds with high illiquidity. The amplifying effect of informed trading on credit bond spreads will be stronger in private enterprises, enterprises with low information transparency, and high debt ratios. This study reveals the risk nature of informed trading in China's interbank bond market, which helps to deepen the understanding and management of the bond market.

Comparative Study of Income of Sweet Potato Farmers' in Different Trade Channels in Bandorasa Wetan Village, Cilimus District, Kuningan Regency

This study aims to analyze the income of sweet potato farmers in Bandorasa Wetan Village, Kuningan Regency, by comparing different trading channels, specifically sales to middlemen and direct sales to the processing industry. Sweet potato farming plays a crucial role in supporting local and national economies, with Kuningan being a major sweet potato production area in West Java. Using a quantitative comparative approach with survey techniques, data was collected from 83 farmers, with 49 selling to middlemen and 34 to the industry. The results show that the average income of farmers selling to the industry (IDR 3,468,222) is significantly higher than those selling to middlemen (IDR 2,812,569), as evidenced by the independent sample test (p = 0.000). However, income from industry sales shows greater variability. This research contributes by highlighting the income disparities across trading channels, offering valuable insights for farmers and stakeholders in optimizing trading practices to maximize profitability. Future research should explore factors influencing channel selection, including market conditions and trading strategies, to enhance the overall sustainability and profitability of sweet potato farming.

Navigating global horizons: a review of export promotion and foreign market entry strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

Purpose This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on export promotion and foreign market entry strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach This study incorporates systematic literature review by using bibliometric technique and content analysis of 195 scholarly papers published between 2000 and 2024 obtained from Scopus database, using the PRISMA principles and a methodological framework. Findings The use of quantitative analysis has shown dynamic patterns in publication trends, characterized by notable increases in recent years. These trends align with the changing dynamics of the global economy and shifting priorities in international commerce. The study reveals thematic frameworks using author collaboration analysis, word cloud visualizations and a thematic map, providing insights into a significant motor, niche and developing issues that shape the discussion on the international growth of SMEs. Research limitations/implications It offers significant insights that can benefit academics, policymakers and practitioners who are interested in understanding and navigating the intricate terrain of export promotion and market access strategies specifically tailored for small firms. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of a kind that presents a systematic examination of the existing body of knowledge on the internationalization of SMEs.

Modelling an emission trading scheme based on a dual-market mechanism in multimode networks with customised bus services

ABSTRACT The transport-related emissions are one of the main contributors to air pollution. In this paper, we construct an efficient and stable emission trading scheme (ETS) to reduce emissions. We build a dual-market mechanism for carbon emission permit (CEP) in the transportation system to control emissions at source, where CEPs are issued in a paid way in the primary market and traded freely in the secondary market. At the same time, we include customised bus (CB) and describe the competitive relationship between CB and private car (PC) in a multimode network. The market trading process and travel choice behaviours are formulated as a variational inequality problem (VIP). The VIP is solved using a relaxation algorithm, and the multi-round iteration strategy is used for updating permit volumes. Finally, we conduct numerical experiments based on Braess and Sioux Falls networks to demonstrate the merits of the ETS based on a dual-market mechanism.

Analysing Delhi’s Prosperity: A Brief Commentary

Delhi is a historical hub for regional, national and international commerce and a place for the socio-political elites. The city is widely considered to be prosperous. This study is an attempt at understanding Delhi’s affluence using both existing literature and data from Aspirational India, Consumer Pyramids Household Survey, 2024, Economic Survey of Delhi, 2023–2024 and Multiple Indicator Survey, 2020–2021. The city of Delhi faces significant challenges in terms of housing quality, access to clean drinking water, electricity connections and asset ownership among different socio-economic groups. It is essential to work towards making these facilities and assets more equitable and accessible to all its residents. Furthermore, enhancing coordination among various levels of government is crucial to ensure a better quality of life for all individuals living in the city. Addressing the pressing issue of limited prosperity in Delhi requires urgent attention and action, given the financial struggles faced by its residents on a daily basis.

Mechanization in Cotton Farming: Addressing Labor Shortages and Enhancing Productivity in India

Cotton is a globally significant crop, playing a vital role in both the agricultural and industrial economy. Cotton is a crucial raw material for the textile and apparel industries, driving international trade and commerce. Its global demand influences market dynamics, trade policies, and economies worldwide. The cotton industry provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in developing countries, from farming to manufacturing, making it a key source of employment globally. In India, approximately 59% of the raw material for India's textile industry comes from cotton. However, cotton cultivation is challenged by lower yields and high costs associated with various operations such as sowing, weed management, pest control, and harvesting. Mechanization significantly improves cotton yield and profitability by enhancing efficiency, reducing labor, and enabling the cultivation of larger areas with better resource utilization. Precision tools like seed-cum-fertilizer drills and mechanized planters ensure optimal seed placement and spacing, boosting plant health and yield potential. Additionally, mechanized harvesting reduces labor costs, minimizes harvest losses, and ensures better-quality cotton, leading to higher market returns and overall profitability. The innovative concept of High Density Planting Systems (HDPS) shows great potential for improving yields, particularly in rainfed cotton. This system involves planting five to ten plants per square meter, which enhances yield and is compatible with mechanized operations for seeding, weeding, pest management, and harvesting. The key objective of using improved sowing equipment is to achieve precise seed distribution within the row, facilitating operations like weeding and fertilizing at predetermined distances and depths. Proper seed placement by planters is critical to achieving optimal germination. Implementing efficient mechanical weeders could motivate small-scale farmers, boosting production and reducing poverty. A power weeder, a mechanized tool commonly used for preparing soil beds, offers significant savings in time, labor, and fuel. Furthermore, the adoption of mechanical cotton pickers would help ensure timely harvesting operations, increasing yields and contributing to higher cotton production. India’s low cotton productivity can be attributed to the limited adoption of modern agronomic practices and the low level of mechanization. Embracing these innovations could lead to significant improvements in the cotton sector Cotton pickers and strippers play a vital role in modern, large-scale cotton cultivation by significantly reducing harvesting time and labor costs, making them indispensable for efficient operations. These machines increase productivity by enabling faster harvesting across larger areas, minimizing the reliance on manual labor, which can be costly and scarce. Additionally, they reduce harvest losses and enhance yield by ensuring more cotton is collected with minimal waste. Cotton pickers, being gentler, help preserve fiber quality, while strippers are ideal for bulk harvesting in regions growing lower-grade cotton. Overall, mechanized harvesting ensures timely and efficient cotton collection, improving both yield and quality.

Bidding Strategy for the Alliance of Prosumer Aggregators in the Distribution Market

Photovoltaic energy storage system (PV-ESS) prosumer aggregators are characterized by a large number but small scale in the distribution system and are not competitive enough to participate in market transactions. For this reason, a prosumer aggregator alliance is proposed to participate in the distribution market bidding strategy. Firstly, based on the framework for prosumer aggregator alliances participating in distribution market trading, a bilevel bidding model is constructed. The upper level represents the optimal decision-making model for the prosumer aggregators, while the lower level constitutes the distribution market-clearing model. Secondly, the additional benefits obtained by the alliance are distributed more fairly using the improved Shapley value based on the PV self-consumption rate. Given the problem that the traditional diagonalization algorithm (DA) has an excessive number of iterations when solving the game equilibrium problem of multiple subjects, the DA is improved by optimizing the initial value of the inputs. Finally, case studies are conducted based on the improved IEEE-33 bus distribution system to validate the feasibility and economic viability of the proposed strategy. The case study results show that forming cooperative alliances to participate in market bidding can significantly increase overall profits. The improved DA reduces the number of bids and computation time by 75% and 80%, respectively. Additionally, the improved Shapley value facilitates compensation for some of the aggregators.

Analyzing Common Trade Risks Faced by Tanzanian Traders in International Transactions: A Case Study of Dar es Salaam Importers and Exporters

International trade is fraught with inherent risks that can significantly impact the efficiency and success of cross-border transactions. Tanzanian importers and exporters, particularly those navigating the complexities of the Dar es Salaam port, face challenges such as shipment delays, vague contract terms, and financial disputes. This study delves into how the strategic application of International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) serves as a powerful risk management tool, offering clarity and structure to international trade agreements. Utilizing a descriptive research design, we surveyed 96 traders and conducted in-depth interviews to capture their experiences with trade risks and their understanding of Incoterms. The findings reveal a widespread gap in formal training on Incoterms, leading to frequent logistical issues and contractual ambiguities that could otherwise be mitigated. This research highlights the urgent need for targeted educational programs to enhance traders’ knowledge of Incoterms and improve the overall efficiency of Tanzania’s trade environment. By embracing these standardized terms, Tanzanian traders can transform risks into opportunities, positioning themselves as key players in the global trade ecosystem. The study concludes with actionable strategies for improving Incoterm adoption and presents a roadmap for strengthening Tanzania’s competitive edge in international commerce.

РЕКЛАМНО-КОМУНІКАЦІЙНА ІНДУСТРІЯ УКРАЇНИ: ВПЛИВ ФАКТОРІВ МАКРОСЕРЕДОВИЩА

The article examines changes in the structure of the advertising market and its synergy with Digital. It was established that the structure of the advertising market, as of 2023, consists of four directions: media advertising, marketing services, digital advertising and PR market. In turn, media advertising includes: TV advertising (direct advertising, sponsorship); digital TV; advertising in the press (national, including sponsorship, regional, specialized); radio advertising (national, regional, sponsorship); OOH Media (outdoor advertising, transport advertising, DOOH, Indoor advertising); advertising in cinemas; Digital (Internet) Media advertising. Marketing services include: Trade marketing (Merchandising, Trade promo, Personnel motivation and control programs); Loyalty marketing (Mailing, DB management, Contact Center); Consumer marketing; Event Marketing and Sponsorship. Digital advertising includes: banner advertising, ads in social networks, rich media; digital video, incl. Youtube; search (paid publication in search engines), including part of GDN; influencer marketing and other digital. Quantitative indicators of the advertising market were studied and significant growth of Digital advertising in 2013-2022 was revealed. The influence of macroeconomic factors, in particular, digital technologies, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war on advertising and communication activities is analyzed. The study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the development and increase of market volumes, and the war led to a significant decrease in the quantitative indicators of the media advertising, marketing services and PR market. The digital market also declined, but only to the indicators of the pandemic period. It was established that the technological factor had a significant impact on the advertising market, not only by changing traditional platforms, but also by additional opportunities in the field of production of advertising materials and creativity. The changes in the legislation of Ukraine introducing the norms of the European legislation into the national legislation through the implementation of certain provisions of the EU legislation in the field of audiovisual advertising are indicated.

Comparative metabolomics in gauging the quality of Embelia ribes Burm. f. fruits in the market trade

Adulteration and substitution in the market trade is a huge problem. Embelia ribes (ER) fruits are used as condiments and in drug formulations that claim substantial market demands. We assessed the trade of ER fruits across Maharashtra, India, for authentication and quality assessment. MaturaseK amplification identified ER’s close relatives E. tsjeriam-cottam (ET) and E. vestita (EV), (Primulaceae), and distant genera Basella alba (BA) (Basellaceae) and Cinnamomum aromaticum (CA) (Lauraceae) fruits in the market trade. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based comparative metabolomics revealed that ER fruits are metabolically diverse than others. Multivariate analysis showed that ET shares maximum compound similarity with ER and possesses all ER’s major compound classes. However, the percentage of benzoquinones, flavonoids, and furans is less in ET than in ER. Moreover, ER and ET metabolites are associated with different pathways. We conclude that although ET is deemed a good ER substitute, ER replacement by ET al.tered chemical synergy.

Responsive release of guest aqueous droplet in liquid crystal droplet assists the detection of organophosphorus using commercial pregnancy test strip

Here, we report a liquid crystal (LC) double-emulsion based system for organophosphorus (OPs) sensing by controllable release of guest aqueous droplets (GADs) cargo. First, double liquid crystal emulsion, water in liquid crystal in water (W/LC/W), with size between 4∼ 20 μm was prepared with GADs loaded at the center of liquid crystal droplet (LCD) through elasticity trap. The LCDs were monodispersed and response sensitively to amphiphilic surfactant with opposite charge. With the capability of ejecting GADs with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as cargo located in LCD to continuous aqueous phase, responsive vehicles are obtained and applied in the repurposing of commercial pregnancy test strip (PTS). With hydrophobic alkyl chain and hydrophilic head, myristoylcholine (Myr) is a good amphiphilic surfactant to trigger the release of hCG, and substrate for the enzymatic hydrolysis of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). Provided with the inhibition effect of OPs to the hydrolysis ability of AChE, OPs correlate positively with the concentration of Myr, thus correlate well with the release of hCG in W/LC/W emulsion. Thus, OPs residue in river or food is readily visualized using commercial PTS.

Bisphenol a monitoring by commercial pregnancy test strips transformed by DNA walking machine

Frequently occurred food contamination issues bring about a tremendous global demand for point-of-care testing (POCT) devices. Pregnancy test strip (PTS) retains the highest POCT market share and a low cost of $0.10 per test, but challenged by limited analytical sensitivity and non-autonomous signal transduction for drink contaminant monitoring. Herein, we developed a DNA walking machine-assisted commercial PTS method for on-site bisphenol A (BPA) analysis in drink. DNAzyme was operated as the efficient autonomous catalytic walker chain to drive the DNA machine for the amplified signal output of BPA in drink samples. A detection limit of 16.8 pg/mL was obtained, which is three orders of magnitude lower than the regulatory limit of European Union (Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/1245). The POCT strategy constructed in this work has the characteristics of low cost, convenient operation and high analytical sensitivity, represents an attractive option for biosensing and on-site drink safety monitoring.

ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE ACTIVITY OF RETAIL INVESTORS ON THE STOCK MARKET

The article examines the activity of a retail investor on the stock market. Issues of economic assessment of their activity and problems of increasing its effectiveness are studied. The dynamics of the share of retail investors in the total volume of trading in the stock market is analyzed. The key factors of growth of retail investors' activity in the stock market are studied. It was determined that the share of retail investors in the volume of trades on the stock market has almost doubled. The factors that caused such a powerful dynamic were analyzed. Two factors such as available investment opportunities and empowerment through information are discussed in detail. An economic assessment of the effectiveness of the activities of retail investors was carried out. The reasons for the negative results of their work on the stock market have been revealed. The importance of developing specific investment goals before starting investment activities on the stock market and adapting investment strategies to them is determined. It is suggested to use paper trading simulators that reproduce the real trading environment. It has been found to allow investors to make virtual trades and track their performance in real time. It is recommended to engage more comprehensive analytical and research platforms that provide tools for charting and price research. This has been proven to allow investors to more effectively analyze market trends, identify potential economic opportunities, and develop effective trading strategies. Possibilities of minimizing transaction costs through the use of ETFs-shares of investment funds, which are often traded on the stock exchange, are considered. As a result of the conducted research, the possibilities of further scientific research on this topic in the direction of using the latest financial programs based on artificial intelligence and comprehensive assessment of the interaction of various sectors of the stock market with their help were considered.