Analysis of the Index Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) Among Greece and the Balkans European Community Countries (2000-2015)

Abstract

In this paper the competitiveness of key agricultural industries in Greece is analyzed in relation to the rest of the world, using the index RCA (Revealed Comparative Advantage) for the period 2000-2015. The evaluation of the comparative advantage of Greece based on the so-called Balassa index is used to determine if a country has "disclosed" comparative advantage (RCA). The competitiveness against two Balkan countries, Romania and Bulgaria is also analyzed. These two countries were selected on the grounds that they are members of the European Union - and thus trade is made without restrictions - and that they are adjacent to Greece, which facilitates trade. Finally, these countries are in a constant rise in their living standards, which have an impact on consumption habits.