Le commerce intra-branche dans l'industrie agro-alimentaire européenne : une nouvelle forme de globalisation

Intra-industry trade in the european food industry : a new form of globalization . At a high level of desegregation, this study examines between 1980 and 1990 the evolution of bilateral intra-in- dustry trade (HT) in the 18 NACE branches of the food industry of seven European countries. This type of trade is particularly important for Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France and has increased considerably for Spain, Italy and, to a lesser extent, the United Kingdom. Most of the food branches, particularly starch and grain milling, show increases in bilateral HT. Using HT theoretical models, this study identifies the main determinants underlying this new form of trade. These determinants are as much a reflection of country-specific characteristics as attributes of the particular industry branch. This study suggests that HT in the European food sector will continue to increase with the increase in per capita incomes, the levelling out in per capita incomes across European countries, the reduction in the common external tariff, the complete elimination of non-tariff barriers among European countries, the continuing integration of European markets and, finally, further technological development in food manufacturing.