Competitiveness of U.s. Wheat and Wheat Flour Industries in Selected Countries

Abstract

This study was conducted to provide new knowledge and information pertinent to the u.s. wheat and wheat flour industry in order to expand U.S. wheat and flour exports. The markets underlying the growth in wheat and wheat flour import demand have shifted away from traditional markets ofthe early 1980s (the former Soviet Union (FSU), the European Union (ElI), and China). Currently, import demand growth is occurring in Afiica, Asia (outside of China), and the Middle East. Specific objectives ofthis research were: Paper I--(a) to determine the supply factors affecting the markets shares of the U.S. and other export competitors in each import market; (b) to determine the demand characteristics of specific import markets and analyze how these factors affect the importers buying decisions; and Paper II--(c) estimate accurate demand elasticities of selected import markets; and d) analyze and compare elasticities of government assisted importers with cash importers.