Achieving international food security requires a deeper understanding of the global agricultural trade networks that connect countries through imports and exports. With the volume and value of agricultural trade increasing annually, optimizing these international networks is crucial for global nutrition. Key to this optimization is the development of transportation infrastructure, such as trade corridors, and advancements in agricultural logistics, particularly between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
This study uses network analysis to examine the trade network positions of the EAEU and ASEAN in five major grain categories: wheat, rice, barley, oilseeds, and corn, using data from 2023. The objective is to identify key players and analyze the overall structure of this trade network. The findings reveal that the networks from 2023 are characterized by a power distribution and a high clustering coefficient. The analysis of the intermediate centrality index identifies Kazakhstan within the EAEU, and Vietnam and Indonesia within ASEAN, as highly influential players in the trade of these essential agricultural products.
This research highlights the necessity of leveraging the capabilities of these unions to optimize agricultural trade. The insights gained are valuable for understanding past trends and emerging dynamics in the global agricultural commodity system, particularly in the face of potential trade shocks. This understanding can inform policy and strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing worldwide food security by making the international flow of agricultural products more resilient and efficient.