DEMANDA POR IMPORTACIONES DE UVA DE MESA CHILENA EN EL MERCADO DE ESTADOS UNIDOS.

This paper studied the United States import market for Chilean table grapes, with the objective of analyzing the competitiveness of Chile in this market. Using the LA/AIDS model (Linear Approximation Almost Ideal Demand System), the import demand parameters were obtained for Chile, Mexico and the rest of the world (RDM). Quarterly data were used for import quantities, import values, and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) prices for the period between the first quarter of 1989 and second quarter of 2002. Own price elasticity estimates indicated inelastic demand for all three countries with values of -0.79, -0.86, and -0.82, for Chile, Mexico, and RDM, respectively. Cross price elasticities between Chile and Mexico indicated significant substitution relationships, which was further supported by a partial elasticity of substitution equal to 0.51. Jointly these results showed that although Chile has a strong position in this market, Mexico has also positioned itself as a potential competitor in those quarters where both countries overlap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]