June 17, 2026 | Research on World Agricultural Economy |
This study conducted by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia examined how trade facilitation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) influences China’s imports of tropical fruits from ASEAN countries. Tropical fruits are highly perishable and sensitive to delays in transportation and customs procedures, making efficient trade systems particularly important for maintaining product quality and market value. However, the effects of trade facilitation on this agricultural sector have received limited attention.
The researchers analyzed panel data from seven ASEAN countries covering 2014–2024. A Trade Facilitation Index (TFI) was developed using principal component analysis based on 26 indicators across four dimensions, and an extended gravity model was applied while controlling for factors including GDP, distance, and exchange rates.
The results showed that a 0.1-unit increase in ASEAN’s TFI was associated with an 8.23% increase in the value of China’s tropical fruit imports. Additional robustness tests supported this relationship. The findings indicate that improvements in infrastructure, customs procedures, and other trade facilitation measures can reduce non-tariff barriers and support tropical fruit trade.
The study provides empirical evidence that trade facilitation under RCEP can strengthen ASEAN–China agricultural trade, particularly for perishable products where efficient logistics and border procedures are important for preserving product value.
