Panel Data Analysis of Trade Policy Effects on U.S. Textile Industries

By applying a gravity model, the study confirms that devalued currencies of Asian exporters of textile products and liberalization of trade policies have significantly contributed to the increased imports of textile products to the U.S. Implications are derived from the abrogation of the WTO's Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC).International Relations/Trade,

MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE IMPACTS OF NAFTA ON THE U.S. TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRIES

The NAFTA has brought profound changes to the U.S. textile and apparel industries, which have been interdependent with those in Mexico and Canada. A nationwide textile and apparel business survey has unveiled the management's perspectives on pros and cons of the NAFTA to the development and prosperity of the two industries.International Relations/Trade,

Determinants of U.S. Textile and Apparel Trade

A gravity model using panel data is applied to determine factors affecting textiles and apparel trade flows into the United States. The study confirms that a nation's aggregate output and per unit productivity serve as important determinants of textiles and apparel trade into the U.S., and the exporting country's depreciating exchange rate as well as its lower prices relative to U.S. prices for textiles and apparel play an important role in determining textiles and apparel trade flows to the U.S. market. Since the WTO's multilateral trade restraining policies of the multi-fibre arrangement (MFA) is found to have slowed down imports, its abrogation in 2005 should lead to greater textiles and apparel imports to the U.S.brand equity, brand valuation, real options, food firms, growth option value, Agribusiness, International Relations/Trade,

Determinants of U.S. Textile and Apparel Import Trade

By applying a gravity model, the study confirms that devalued currencies of Asian exporters of textile products and liberalization of trade policies have significantly contributed to the increased imports of textile products to the U.S. Implications are derived from the abroagation of the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC).International Relations/Trade,

ALTERNATIVES FOR SMALL FARM SURVIVAL: GOVERNMENT POLICIES VERSUS THE FREE MARKET

This paper briefly outlines a topology of small farms and then considers the role of the government versus the market in key public policies such as commodity income support, environment, stability, research, and rural development. A number of options are explored for public policy to better serve small farms, including drastic alternatives such as graduated property taxes on farmland, with exemptions or lower rates for small farms. These and other alternatives are not necessarily recommended. Improved extension education and human resource development offer some of the most promising public policy opportunities to help small farmers.Government, Limited resource, Market, Programs, Research, Rural, Scale, Small farm, Farm Management,

Violence, Political Instability, and International Trade: Evidence from Kenya’s Cut Flower Sector

Abstract: We assess whether and how violence and political instability affect trade between developed and developing countries considering the special case of EU imports of Kenyan roses after the 2007/08 post-election violence and political instability in Kenya. Using the Rotterdam model to estimate EU demand for roses from Kenya and other global competitors, we find evidence of a structural change in the import growth rate for Kenya, approximately equivalent to an 18.6% tariff. These results highlight the importance of non-tariff barriers to trade and contribute to the growing literature on the role of insecurity and instability in hindering international trade.Kenya, Africa, EU, election violence, cut flowers, roses, imports, international trade, Demand and Price Analysis, International Development, International Relations/Trade, Political Economy, F14, F23, F59, O13, Q17,

Health Disparities in Rural Georgia: A Case Study of Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties

Health disparities can be defined as differences in the health status among distinct segments of the population including differences that occur by gender, race or ethnicity, education, income, disability, or living in various geographic localities. When populations are disproportionately unhealthy, they are likely to be unable to maintain steady employment, and are more likely to rely on government assistance and support from others. We conduct a case study of three rural counties; Liberty, Long, and McIntosh to explore what factors explain the incidence of health disparities manifested in high blood pressure and heart disease. We test the hypotheses that older individuals are more likely to experience illness at a higher rate than the rest of the population. Additionally, educated individuals are more efficient producers of healthy outcomes, and blacks face greater disparities in health outcomes. Using survey data collected from the three counties, we apply logistic regression analysis and confirm the presence of health disparities among older individuals and black men with high blood pressure. Additionally, the presence of high cholesterol can exacerbate the incidence of chronic high blood and heart diseases, and educated women are less likely to have high blood pressure.Health disparities, high blood pressure, heart disease, rural community, logistic model, Community/Rural/Urban Development, Health Economics and Policy, I100, I120, I180,

EVALUATION OF EXPORT PROMOTION PROGRAMS ON TRADE OF HIGH-VALUED AND PROCESSED FOOD PRODUCTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR NORTH CAROLINA AGRIBUSINESS

International Relations/Trade,

Health Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Pressure Among Adults in Rural Underserved Communities

Purpose: This study examined the factors contributing to health disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and high blood pressure (HBP) among adults in three rural underserved communities in southeast Georgia. Socioeconomic status as well as geographic location plays a significant role in one’s quality of health outcomes. Methods: Individuals in three counties in southern Georgia participated in the study. The study was motivated by review of retrospective data from the 2008 Georgia Cardiovascular Health Initiative (CVHI) database to explain the factors contributing to the incidence of health disparities. A survey questionnaire was administered by telephone to adult members of households to determine the incidence of health disparities in CVD and HBP among rural African American and White adult populations. Six hundred respondents participated in the survey but four hundred completed surveys were used in the study, yielding a 67% response rate. Data were analyzed using applied multivariate logistic analysis. Findings: Findings indicated that older men and male residents in Counties A and B regardless of racial background were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with both HBP and CVD. College educated women were significantly less likely to have HBP. Findings also revealed that married men were significantly less likely to have CVD. Uncontrolled elevated cholesterol levels contributed to the incidence of chronic HBP and CVD. Conclusions: The findings add to the current knowledge of research and to the understanding of the critical elements in reducing health disparities among populations in rural underserved communities