Asymmetric Prices: Implications on Trader’s Market Power in Philippine Rice

Contrary to the commonly held notion that the market power exercised by a handful of unscrupulous traders in the local market has resulted unnecessary hike in prices, this paper presents evidence against this allegation. Findings show that market shocks originate at the farm level that are transmitted as price changes at the wholesale market before it is reflected at the retail market. In addition, symmetry test cannot confirm the presence of market power among Filipino traders. Nevertheless, estimation of price symmetry model does not lend credence to the claim that government’s absence in the market can lead to chaos.price level

Wheat policy reform in Egypt: adjustment of local markets and options for future reforms

Many developing countries are in transition from a state-dominated to a more market-oriented economy. Because agriculture is of primary importance in most developing countries,the state is usually heavily involved in both input and output markets and in controlling prices and trade. However, concerns that market liberalization will result in higher consumer food prices and hurt the poor means that many countries, such as Egypt, have, at best, undertaken only partial agricultural sector reforms. It has been argued that such concerns are unwarranted and that further market liberalization is not only needed, but achievable without increasing impoverishment. IFPRI Research Report 115 sheds light on these critical issues through an analysis of wheat policy reform in Egypt.Consumers Egypt., Wheat trade Government policy Egypt., Food supply Government policy Egypt., Agricultural policies, Markets Prices., Developing countries. ,

Adjustment of Local Markets and Options for Future Reforms Wheat Policy Reform in Egypt Adjustment of Local Markets and Options for Future Reforms

International Food Policy Internationa