Structural Evolution and Sustainability of Agricultural Trade between China and Countries along the “Belt and Road”

Abstract

Enhancing trade in agricultural products between China and countries along the “Belt and Road” (B&R) will help strengthen China’s food security and promote global, sustainable economic development. Based on the agricultural trade data between China and B&R countries from 2001 to 2019, we used the TII index, the HHI index, and the social network analysis method to calculate the trade structure of agricultural products between China and B&R countries, in terms of plane structure and spatial network structure, and analyzed the influencing factors of their spatial network structure. The results show that China’s agricultural trade with B&R countries is highly concentrated in terms of regions and types, the import trade is decentralized, while the export trade is concentrated, and the regions with high trade intensity are mainly concentrated in the countries in close proximity. China’s agricultural trade network with B&R countries has become increasingly close, and China has a significant presence in trade networks. The trade network shows four major segments, and the internal and external trade of each segment has become increasingly close. Water resources, geographical location, transportation, trade agreements, and trade structure are the main influencing factors in the trade network between China and B&R countries. Our findings provide useful insights for informed decision-making in the development of international agricultural sustainable cooperation strategies.