Evaluating India’s apple exports: An analysis of comparative advantage

The paper comprehends the export performance of Indian apples, with the aim to discern the country’s comparative advantage in the global apple trade. Based on the data sourced from United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database and Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, the study has comprehended Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Revealed Trade Advantage (RTA) indices. The study has highlighted that the rate of increase in apple exports has been relatively lower compared to its imports. This disparity suggests a trade disadvantage for the country, leading to a potential loss of competitiveness in the global apple trade market. This diminishing position can be ascribed to the rising imports and diminishing exports of apples, impacting India’s competitiveness negatively at the global level. Consequently, there is an urgent need of concerted and targeted initiatives to enhance India’s rank globally and reclaim the erstwhile state in the apple trade. The study has suggested some measures also for boosting apple export from India.