U.S. Import Demand and Supply Response for Fresh Tomatoes, Cantaloupes, Onions, Oranges, and Spinach

Abstract

Elasticities of import demand and supply often drive economic models, but few empirical estimates of these elasticities exist for vegetables and fruits. For those that do exist, most are outdated. Because elasticities change over time as income, prices, and market conditions change, outdated elasticity estimates may not be representative of changes in import quantities demanded or in acreages, yield, and quantities supplied. Moreover, import demand elasticities by country of origin for most vegetables and fruits are nonexistent. This article presents research that updates elasticity estimates for each of the selected product categories and includes production and trade implications.