Application of the Gini index to measure the concentration on several agricultural international markets

Abstract

This paper studies the level of concentration of several agricultural products exports whose roles are important in developing countries. The Gini index was determined as it measures the level of competition within the different markets. After a description of the index, eight products were studied : bovine meat, poultry meat, eggs in the shell, rice, sugar, tea, rubber and palm oil. For each of them, the Gini index was calculated according to the data of the Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980 and 1985. A comparison was made between the years 1965 and 1985 in order to show the evolution of the relative importance of the different exporting countries. In conclusion, the successes, failures or changing goals of the agricultural policy of these countries could be evaluated.