Demand elasticities of fresh fish commodities : a case study

Abstract EN

The objective of this paper was to estimate price and income elasticities of fresh fish commodities using a single equation estimation procedure.

Demand elasticities consitute relevant market information for policy decisions for both the private and the public sectors.

Results of a case study from Oman, an Arabian Gulf country, showed that income and price elasticities were small but positive, indicating that fish demand will continue to increase with growing incomes, a driving force for market development and marketing efficiency.

It was argued, however, that in the long run per capita fish consumption will stabilize but its composition will shift toward high value added products, a profitable market segment for Omani fish businesses.