Market Dynamics of Indian Apple: Assessing Integration with Global Importers

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Division of Agricultural Economics and Agri-business Management, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India during June, 2023 to study the market dynamics of Indian apples to assess the integration of prices with major importing countries at global level. Utilizing the data gathered from reliable secondary sources such as the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UNComtrade) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) Agri-exchange, the research employed a cross-correlation formula to analyze the strength of price integration across markets. The findings revealed a significant degree of integration between Jammu and Kashmir apple market and that of Iran during peak harvesting periods indicating strong trade linkages and synchronized price movements. A considerable level of integration was also identified with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In contrast, relatively weaker linkages were observed with Kuwait, Bangladesh and Nepal possibly attributed to lower trade intensity, logical constraints and temporal mismatch in demand and supply. At the aggregate level,  Indian apple markets demonstrated strong integration with all major apple importing countries as the overall average apple prices in India exerted a substantial influence on the markets of these countries, indicating a robust and mutually beneficial relationship. The study concluded that strengthening market intelligence systems, improving supply chain efficiency and enhancing export quality standards would further augment India’s competitiveness and position in global apple trade.