Analysis of Comparative Advantages and Export Determinants of Indonesian Tuna Fish

Abstract

Indonesia is a maritime country that has a considerable fisheries potency and has become one of the largest tuna exporters in the world. This study aims to determine the competitiveness and analyze the determinants of Indonesian tuna export to importing countries (Japan, United States, and Thailand) in 2001-2016. Relative Revealed Comparative Trade Advantage (RTA) index was used to measure competitiveness. Gravity model and panel regression were used as the basis for selecting the variables and analysis of its determinants. The results of the RTA index indicate that Indonesia has a great comparative advantage or positive index value in all three main markets of Indonesian tuna products. The Panel data regression results show that real GDP of the importing country, Indonesian real GDP, real exchange rate, and RTA index have a positive and significant effect on the export of tuna fish, whereas distance variable performs negative effect.