A hedonic price model for rice market in China

Abstract

Various domestic analyses have focused on rice prices, but there is no existing research that has studied the effects of rice quality on prices in Chinese retail markets. This article clarifies the price mechanism in China by analyzing the factors affecting retail rice prices using a hedonic price model. Econometric results suggest that rice grades are useful but insufficient in explaining observed price differences. Other attributes like quality certification and branding, packaging, production origin, and retail centers are significant determinants of retail rice prices in China. Discipline: Agricultural economics.