Determination and Analysis of comparative advantage of Iran bitumen export and its major competitors

Purpose: This paper aims to present an exploratory investigation into seven years (2001-2007) patterns of bitumen trade around the world, assessing patterns of comparative advantage of Iran bitumen export & analyzing its position in comparison with other global competitors. To help decision makers to take appropriate decision for bitumen in Iran export baskets since there are many problems faced by bitumen producer and exporter in Iran in recent years. Methodology/Design: A revealed comparative advantage (RCA) index is employed to evaluate international competitiveness across more than twenty major bitumen exporters in global market over a seven years period. Available documents and statistics are used to determine the significance of the observed pattern in involving bitumen export and import countries. Finding: Review patterns of bitumen trade in global market and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) evaluation will reflect the expectations of characteristics combine to influence comparative advantage. Increase of Iran's ranking as twelfth biggest bitumen exporter around the world and its relative comparative advantage in recent years, highlights the dynamic of changes over seven years period following growth of bitumen price and reforms in supply and demand. Practical implication: Offered applicable suggestions for supporting the Iran bitumen export in global market and growth of bitumen values and shares in Iran export basket.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bitumen ، Export ، Comparative Advantage ، Global Market ، International Trade