Evolution of Agricultural Spatial Market Integration: Evidence from the HOG Market in China

Abstract

This article investigates the evolution of hog spatial market integration in China based on a minimal spanning tree by using provincial hog price data. The empirical results show that hog spatial market integration in China has increased gradually and reached a high stable level after 2012. Hog spatial market integration underwent a structural break in April 2007, after which hog market integration was greatly strengthened. Moreover, the market power of hog markets in eastern China and central China is increasing, and Shandong is a price setter, whereas hog markets in southwestern, northeastern, and northern China are price followers.