An Economic Analysis of Potato Demand in China

Abstract

This paper examines the changes in China's potato production, consumption and trade, presents an analysis of urban consumer demand for potatoes, sweet potatoes and starch products, and discusses the trends of China's potato market and potential global impacts. The time-series data suggest that Chinese consumers have significantly increased their average potato consumption and reduced sweet potato consumption since the mid 1980s. Demand analysis based on urban household survey data indicates that consumer demand for potatoes was more elastic regarding income and own price than the demand for sweet potatoes and starch products. Findings from this study suggest that potato demand in China is likely to continue to increase at a significant rate and China is likely to remain the world's largest potato producer. Also, China's huge potato market and ongoing economic transition are expected to enhance its role in the global market of potatoes and potato products.Resumen Este artículo examina los cambios en la producción de papa de China, consumo y comercialización. Presenta un análisis de la demanda por el consumidor urbano de papas, camotes y productos de almidón, y discute las tendencias del mercado chino de papa y los impactos globales potenciales. Los datos cronológicos sugieren que los consumidores chinos han aumentado significativamente su consumo promedio de papa y han reducido el consumo de camote desde mediados de los 1980s. El análisis de demanda basado en los datos de una encuesta en la familia urbana indica que la demanda del consumidor de papa era más flexible en cuanto al ingreso y el propio precio, que la demanda de camotes y de productos de almidón. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que es probable que la demanda de papa en China continúe en aumento a una tasa significativa y posiblemente China permanezca como el mayor productor de papa en el mundo. Además, el inmenso mercado de papa en China y la transición económica en proceso se espera que aumenten su influencia en el mercado global de papas y de sus productos.

Soil bacterial biomass and diversity are affected by different furrow-ridge mulched management systems during potato continuous cropping

“…Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food crop and plays a crucial role in the agricultural development of an entire region [7]. China is the largest potato producer worldwide and plays an increasing role in the global potato market [8]. However, due to the restriction of land resources, continuous cropping is very common in China [9].…”

Determination of the Effect of Price Fluctuations on Producer Income – the Case of Potatoes

“…Therefore, potatoes are produced and consumed in almost every country in the world (Gul and Tan, 2003;Tuncturk et al, 2007). The potato is an important agricultural product, particularly in developing countries, due to its ability to enhance farm income, increase food consumption and create employment in rural areas (Scott et al, 2000;Wang and Zhang, 2010). However, the stability of potato prices is a global problem (Bielza et al, 2007).…”

Potato production in aeroponics: An emerging food growing system in sustainable agriculture forfood security

“…In the early 1960s, when transport costs fell, potato production increased. The increase in Chinese potato production to 70% of the global potato production growth from 1961 to 2007 was attributed to China's growth (Wang and Zhang, 2010). Since 1993, China has led the world in both production and land area planted.…”

“…The increase in potato production is related to the introduction of HRS systems and the ability of farmers to meet consumer demand. Consumers have found that potatoes are an ideal vegetable, especially in winter, because they can be preserved for long periods and can be prepared in different ways (Wang and Zhang, 2010). To further increase consumer demand for potatoes further, the Chinese government is promoting potato production to improve food security and nutrient absorption.…”