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Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230

The Economies of Balkan and Eastern Europe Countries in the Changed World (EBEEC 2013)

Investigating export performance and competitiveness of

Balkan and eastern European fisheries sector
Eleni Kaimakoudia,*, Konstantinos Polymerosb, Christos Batziosc
a
Ph.D, Dept. of Agriculture Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytoko str., Volos 38 446, Greece
b Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agriculture Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytoko str., Volos 38 446, Greece
c
Professor, Lab of Animal Production Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124,
Greece

Abstract

As foreign markets tend to be more diverse and competitive, export performance of fisheries exporting sector has been
gaining increasing attention by policy makers, business managers and marketing researchers.
Consequently, the aim of this paper is the investigation of export performance and competitiveness in fisheries sector
among Balkan and Eastern European countries. Using Eurostat data, the export trade is described for each country, regarding
exports of fisheries products in the market of EU - 27. In specific, Greece presents a significant export trade in fresh or chilled
Gilt-head sea bream, while Bulgaria in frozen sprats and snails (live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted dried with or no shell). Czech
Republic exports mainly live carp, while Hungary portrays a significant export trade in live freshwater fish. Finally, Poland
shows a significant export trade in smoked fillets of pacific salmon, while Slovenia in fresh or chilled fillets of freshwater fish.
The estimated Revealed Competitive Advantage (RCA) indices reveal a wide range of competitiveness among the countries
examined.
Therefore, the results of this study could help policy makers to probably reallocate the natural resources, reinforcing the
national production activities in those species and potentially to develop a national strategic plan for the export marketing of the
fisheries products involved.

©
© 2014
2014 The
The Authors. Published by
Authors. Published by Elsevier
Elsevier B.V.
B.V. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.
Selection
Selection and
and peer-review under responsibility
peer-review under responsibility of
of Kavala
KavalaInstitute
InstituteofofTechnology,
Technology,Department
DepartmentofofAccountancy,
Accountancy,Greece
Greece.

Keywords: Fisheries products; export trade; export performance; revealed competitive advantage; Balkan and Eastern European countries

* Corresponding author. Tel.: 0030-24210-93264; fax: 0030-24210-93157.

E-mail address: [email protected]

2212-5671 © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Open access under CC BY-NC-ND license.
Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Kavala Institute of Technology, Department of Accountancy, Greece
doi:10.1016/S2212-5671(14)00023-9
220 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230

1. Introduction

The fisheries sector constitutes one of the most globalised food industries. The sector operates in a liberalized
trade regime and in an increasingly market-orientated economy, characterized by rapid changes in consumer and
market demands, especially in terms of fish quality and safety issues. Consequently, due to the fact that globalisation
has become an indubitable reality, firms and thus many countries have orientated beyond their traditional domestic
markets, focalising on high-growth export markets, in order to expand and to strengthen their positioning in the
world trade arena. Trade is positively associated with growth performance (Park et al., 2010). Therefore, exporting
could be considered as an important activity both at firm, industry and country level, taking into account that
viability, development and competitiveness of many countries’ production sectors depend on entering and
effectively operating in the global markets. Particularly, competitiveness reflects the ability of firms and industries
to sustain and improve their position towards competitors (Drescher and Maurer, 1999) and is the main determinant
in the future opportunities and dynamics of the food industry (Kennedy et al., 1997). Thus, the macro-marketing
environment enhances the competition among exporting countries (Polymeros and Katrakilidis, 2008).
In fact, due to the growing importance of exporting activities, export marketing has become a priority for both
policy makers and academia (Lages et al., 2005). Furthermore, export performance has been gaining increasing
attention by policy makers, business managers and marketing researchers due to the fact that foreign markets tend to
be more diverse than domestic ones and in many cases more competitive. Particularly, in terms of policy making, a
better understanding of export performance is important as it allows for the accumulation of foreign exchange
reserves, increased employment levels, improved productivity, and enhanced prosperity (Sousa, 2004).
Consequently, studies dealing with export activity and performance could be of importance to both public and
private sector administrators concerned with future export development and success (Katsikeas et al., 1996).
However, export activity should be considered as a dynamic process, rather than as static and unchangeable
(Robertson and Chetty, 2000). This is critically important, due to the fact that there is a lack of detailed studies
based on export marketing particularly for agricultural and related products (Karelakis et al., 2008). This is not an
exception for the fisheries exporting sector. Therefore, the aim of this paper is the investigation of export
performance and competitiveness in fisheries sector among the Balkan and Eastern European countries.

2. Methodology and data

2.1 Methodology

Supply capacity constitutes a major determinant for export performance, and countries with better supply
conditions are expected to have higher performance levels (Fugazza, 2004). Therefore, export quantities are one of
the most important indicators in export performance (Park et al., 2010). However, other main determinants of export
performance constitute not only the supply-side conditions such as access to raw materials, labour and capital costs
but also the demand-side conditions such as market access conditions and import demand (Fugazza, 2004).
Furthermore, supply capacity strongly affects the ‘revealed’ competitive advantage (RCA) (Kuldilok et al.,
2013). Particularly, the competitiveness of national economies, sectors/industries and of individual firms and
products can be evaluated by the estimation of RCA index (Polymeros and Katrakilidis, 2008). The RCA index is
expressed as follows (Formula 1):

RCAij (Xij / ¦ Xij ) / (¦ X ij / ¦¦ X ij ) (1)

i j ij

Where X represents exports, i is a country and j is a commodity (or industry). RCA measures a country’s export
of a commodity (or industry) relative to its total exports and to the corresponding exports of a set of countries
(Utkulu and Seymen, 2004). Competitive advantage is revealed if RCA >1. On the other hand, if RCA<1 country i
has a competitive disadvantage of product j. RCA indices are a useful measure of competitive performance enabling
the identification of specialisation patterns (Kuldilok et al., 2013).
 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230 221

2.2 Data

The countries examined belong to the wider region of Balkans and South-Eastern Europe and particularly were
selected those who are members of European Union-27, namely: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Greece,
Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. Especially, for Poland, it is worth mentioning that the Polish Baltic fleet
capacity decreased by 41% in 2008, potentially due to the capacity reduction measures implemented after European
Union accession, while the Slovenian fisheries sector is affected by the small size of the sea fishing area, potentially
resulting in a lower volume of landings (STECF, 2010).
Using secondary data by Eurostat, the export trade is briefly described for each examined country, in terms of
exports quantities of fisheries products in the market of European Union-27 regarding the period 1999 to 2011.
Consequently, the RCA index is estimated for the most significant species exported by each country towards the
countries examined, for the period of 1999-2011, in terms of exports by value.

3. Results

The estimation of total export volume for over thirteen years revealed that there is a wide range of fisheries
products exported by the countries examined.
Regarding Bulgaria, according to Table 1, frozen sprats were the most common species exported in terms of
tonnage, with a total volume of 7,213 tons. The average quantity of frozen sprats’ exports per year was estimated
554 tons, while the median value was calculated as 641 tons. The second most important species exported in terms
of tonnage were snails (excl. sea snails) (7,125 tons), followed by frozen mackerel (6,293 tons).

Table 1. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Bulgaria
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1 & Q3)
03037430 0 1,749 484 46 0 3 6,293
1,148
03037180 0 775 554 641 0 414 7,213
726
03076000 64 1,440 548 475 64 280 7,125
759
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0303 7430: frozen mackerel (scomber scombrus & japanicus), 0303 7180: frozen brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus), 0307 6000: snails,
live/fresh/chilled/frozen/salted/dried or in brine, with or no shell (excl. sea snails)

Furthermore, according to Figure 1, an increasing trend for frozen mackerel can be observed, while frozen sprats
and snails showed a relatively decreasing trend.
222 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230

20000

18000

16000

14000

12000
Quantity (100 kg)

03037180
10000 03037430
03076000
8000

6000

4000

2000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

0303 7180: frozen brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus), 0303 7430: frozen mackerel (scomber scombrus & japanicus),
0307 6000: snails, live/fresh/chilled/frozen/salted/dried or in brine, with or no shell (excl. sea snails)

Figure 1. Bulgaria’s top three species exported by volume trends.

Regarding Czech Republic, according to Figure 2, an increasing trend can be observed for live carp in volume
terms for the overall period 1999-2011. Particularly, the percentage rate for the period of 1999 – 2011 is 21%.

90000

80000

70000

60000
Quantity (100 kg)

50000 03019919
03019300
40000 03042013

30000

20000

10000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

0301 99 19: live freshwater fish (excl. ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon and Danube salmon),
0301 93 00: live carp, 0304 2013: frozen fillets of pacific salmon

Figure 2. Czech Republic’s top three species exported volume trends

Furthermore, live carp was the most important species exported in terms of tonnage (99,723 tons, with an
average value of 7,671 tons per year and a median value of 7,905 tons), followed by live freshwater fish (excl.
 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230 223

ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon & Danube salmon) (13,118 tons), and frozen
fillets of pacific salmon (3,092 tons) (Table 2).

Table 2. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Czech Republic
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1 & Q3)
0304 2013 0 858 237 0 0 0 3,092
557
0301 93 00 6,535 8,364 7,671 7,905 6,535 7,250 99,723
8,046
0301 99 19 816 1,200 1,009 1,023 816 886 13,118
1,118
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0304 2013: frozen fillets of pacific salmon, 0301 93 00: live carp, 0301 99 19: live freshwater fish (excl. ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp,
pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon and Danube salmon)

In contrast, for Cyprus, a decreasing trend can be observed for fresh or chilled bluefin tuna, while fresh or chilled
albacore tuna showed an increasing trend (Figure 3). Particularly, for fresh or chilled albacore tuna a percentage
change of 285% is observed for the period of 2009 – 2011.

6000

5000

4000
Quantity (100 kg)

03023190
3000 03023590
03026961

2000

1000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

0302 3190: fresh or chilled Albacore tuna, 0302 3590: fresh or chilled bluefin tuna,
0302 6961: fresh or chilled sea bream (Dentex & Pagellus spp.)

Figure 3. Cyprus’s top three species exported by volume trends

Furthermore, fresh or chilled bluefin tuna was the most important species exported (1,634 tons), followed by
fresh or chilled albacore tuna (634 tons) and fresh or chilled sea bream (345 tons) (Table 3). The average quantity of
fresh or chilled bluefin tuna exported per year was 125, while for albacore tuna was 48 tons.
224 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230

Table 3. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Cyprus
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1& Q3)
0302 69 61 0 217 26 2 0 0 345
21
0302 3590 0 533 125 0 0 0 1,634
250
0302 3190 0 291 48 0 0 0 634
37
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0302 6961: fresh or chilled sea bream (Dentex & Pagellus spp.), 0302 3590: fresh/chilled bluefin tuna, 0302 3190: fresh/chilled Albacore tuna

Greece also showed an increasing trend in fresh or chilled Gilt-head sea bream and sea bass with a percentage
change of 382% and 262% respectively, for the period of 1999 - 2011 (Figure 4). This significant increasing trend is
probably due to the rapid increase of aquaculture production (Fishery Statistics Data, 2009).

600000

500000

400000
Quantity (100 kg)

03026961
300000 03026994
03026995

200000

100000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

0302 6961: fresh or chilled sea bream (Dentex & Pagellus spp.), 0302 6994: fresh or chilled sea bass,
0302 6995: fresh or chilled Gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Figure 4. Greece’s top three species exported by volume trends

Fresh or chilled Gilt-head sea bream was the most important species exported (355,558 tons, with an average
value of 27,350 tons per year and a median value of 23,101 tons (Table 4). While, fresh or chilled sea bream
(Dentex & Pagellus spp.) showed a decreasing trend during the period under study, with total exports of 108,126
tons, and with a percentage change of -49%.
 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230 225

Table 4. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Greece
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1& Q3)
0302 6994 7,167 35,121 19,094 14,642 7,167 11,051 248,223
28,677
0302 6961 4,747 13,310 8,317 8,597 4,747 5,591 108,126
10,248
0302 6995 11,023 48,060 27,350 23,101 11,023 15,699 355,558
43,101
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0302 6994: fresh or chilled sea bass, 0302 6961: fresh or chilled sea bream (Dentex & Pagellus spp.), 0302 6995: fresh or chilled Gilt-head sea
bream (Sparus aurata)

Hungary, on the other hand, showed an important export trade in live freshwater fish (Figure 5). Snails and live
carp showed an increasing trend after 2008.

25000

20000

15000
Quantity (100 kg)

03076000
03019919
03019300
10000

5000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

0301 99 19: live freshwater fish (excl. ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon and Danube salmon
0307 60 00: snails, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried or in brine, with or without shell (excl. sea snails), 0301 93 00: live carp

Figure 5. Hungary’s top three species exported by volume trends

Particularly, live freshwater fish (excl. ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon &
Danube salmon) was the most important species exported in terms of tonnage, with a total volume of 10,695 tons for
the overall period 1999-2011, and an average value of 822 tons per year (Table 5). The second most important
species exported in terms of tonnage were snails (excl. sea snails) (6,962 tons) followed by live carp (6,593 tons).
Regarding Poland, generally, after 2004 a relatively increasing trend is observed for all the important species
exported (Figure 6). This increasing trend is probably due to Poland’s accession in EU-25 in 2004 and particularly
for sprats, probably due to an increase in terms of volume catch, which is observed for the period 2006 -2009, with a
percentage change of 323% (CFP, 2008 & 2012).
226 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230

Table 5. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Hungary
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1 & Q3)
0301 93 00 155 1,244 507 369 155 254 6,593
773
0301 99 19 0 2,045 822 566 0 248 10,695
1,569
0307 60 00 0 1,365 535 432 0 110 6,962
923
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0301 93 00: live carp, 0301 99 19: live freshwater fish (excl. ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon and Danube
salmon, 0307 60 00: snails, live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried or in brine, with or no shell (excl. sea snails)

600000

500000

400000
Quantity (100 kg)

03026180
300000 03042029
03054100

200000

100000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

*03026180: Fresh or chilled brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus)

0304 2029: frozen fillets of cod (gadus morhua & ogac, boreogadus saida)
0305 4100: Pacific salmon smoked (incl. fillets)

Figure 6. Poland’s top three species exported by volume trends

Furthermore, smoked pacific salmon (total exports 183,538 tons, with an average value of 14,118 tons per year
and a median value of 17,001 tons) was the most important species exported by Poland (Table 6), followed by fresh
or chilled sprats and frozen fillets of cod (180,797 tons and 43,301 tons, respectively).

Table 6. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Poland
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1& Q3)
0302 6180 0 49,141 13,907 6,892 0 0 180,797
28,986
0304 2029 0 10,878 3,330 0 0 0 43,301
8,669
0305 4100 0 31,766 14,118 17,001 0 0 183,538
25,844
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*03026180: Fresh or chilled brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus), 0304 2029: frozen fillets of cod (gadus morhua & ogac, boreogadus saida),
0305 4100: Pacific salmon smoked (incl. fillets)
 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230 227

Romania, on the other hand, showed an increasing trend for all the important exported species in volume terms
for the overall period 1999-2011, especially after 2007 (Figure 7). This increasing trend is probably due to
Romania’s accession in EU-27 in 2007.

25000

20000

15000
Quantity (100 kg)

03076000
03042903
03037430

10000

5000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

*0303 7430: frozen mackerel (scomber scombrus & japanicus), 0304 2903: frozen fillets of Pangasius,
0307 6000: snails live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried or in brine, with or no shell (excl. sea snails)

Figure 7. Romania’s top three species exported by volume trends

Particularly, according to Table 7, snails were the most important species exported (6,636 tons), followed by
frozen mackerel (4,388 tons) and frozen fillets of pangasius (1,648 tons).

Table 7. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Romania
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1& Q3)
0303 7430 0 2,308 337 1.6 0 0 4,388
481
0307 6000 292 919 510 402 292 348 6,636
723
0304 2903 0 960 126 0 0 0 1,648
0
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0303 7430: frozen mackerel (scomber scombrus & japanicus), 0304 2903: frozen fillets of Pangasius, 0307 6000: snails live, fresh, chilled,
frozen, salted, dried or in brine, with or no shell (excl. sea snails)

Finally, regarding Slovenia, apart from frozen swordfish and fresh or chilled fillets of freshwater fish, an
increasing trend can be observed for frozen fillets of pangasius in volume terms for the period of 2009 -2011 (Figure
8).
Particularly, according to Table 8, fresh or chilled fillets of freshwater fish were the most important species
exported (2,797 tons) in volume terms for the overall period 1999-2011, followed by frozen fillets of pangasius
(2,745 tons) and frozen swordfish (2,058 tons).
228 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230

25000

20000

15000
Quantity (100 kg)

03042903
03044910
03037987
10000

5000

0
Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Exported period

*0304 2903: frozen fillets of pangasius, 0303 7987: frozen swordfish, 0304 4910: fresh or chilled fillets of freshwater fish
(excl. trout, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon & Danube salmon)

Figure 8. Slovenia’s top three species exported by volume trends

Table 8. Export volume (quantity in tons) for the period of 1999 – 2011, Slovenia
Product* Minimum Maximum Average Median Mode Quartiles Total
(M=Q2) (Q1& Q3)
0304 2903 0 1,452 211 0 0 0 2,745
0
0304 4910 0 2,283 215 0 0 0 2,797
82
0303 7987 0 1,157 158 0 0 0 2,058
185
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data
*0304 2903: frozen fillets of pangasius, 0303 7987: frozen swordfish, 0304 4910: fresh or chilled fillets of freshwater fish (excl. trout, pacific
salmon, Atlantic salmon & Danube salmon)

Table 9 presents the RCA indices applying the formula (1) for the most important species exported by each
examined country, regarding the period 1999-2011. As we can see, all individual countries reveal competitive
advantage, since the RCA indices exceed unity. In terms of gain/loss, Czech Republic achieved the highest increase
(528%), followed by Romania (521%) and Bulgaria (261%), while Poland showed the highest decrease (-24%),
followed by Slovenia (-14%).
It is worth noted that Bulgaria has the largest competitive advantage regarding frozen sprats throughout the
sample period. Specifically, Bulgaria’s RCA index increased from 60.32 in 1999 to a high of 817.44 in 2010 before
declining to 217.88 in 2011. On the other hand, Greece’s and Poland’s RCA indices are relatively stable over the
sample period. Particularly, for Greece regarding Gilt- head sea bream, it ranged from 1.22 in 2000 to a peak of 3.99
in 2005, before declining to 2.71 in 2011, as well as for Poland regarding smoked pacific salmon, it ranged from
1.55 in 2006 to a peak of 2.11 in 2004, before declining to 1.60 in 2011. This stability contrasts with Bulgaria,
Cyprus and Slovenia which have greater competitive advantages but more volatile indices. Potentially, this is due to
supply side restrictions as supply conditions particular for fisheries products are relatively unstable.
 Eleni Kaimakoudi et al. / Procedia Economics and Finance 9 (2014) 219 – 230 229

Table 9. RCA Indices for the most important species exported, 1999 - 2011
Country Bulgaria Czech Republic Cyprus Greece Hungary Romania Poland Slovenia
Product 03037180 03019300 03023590 03026995 03019919 03076000 03054100 03044910
Year
1999 60.32 3.99 - 1.44 5.15 6.48 - -
2000 68.75 7.48 - 1.22 10.23 12.81 - -
2001 129.73 6.77 - 1.22 0 14.36 - -
2002 217.26 4.37 - 1.40 8.67 14.03 - -
2003 139.52 5.46 - 1.30 10.28 19.63 - -
2004 363.06 9.22 - 2.39 11.23 24.67 2.11 183.77
2005 570.32 14.52 316.49 3.99 4.00 39.68 1.71 11.79
2006 371.85 17.77 223.60 3.55 30.99 56.13 1.55 156.71
2007 202.77 19.55 203.04 2.96 63.66 53.61 1.67 -
2008 212.91 19.65 585.45 2.88 0 41.38 1.69 -
2009 326.30 23.08 645.59 2.60 0 28.16 1.82 -
2010 817.44 24.51 - 3.05 16.22 38.83 1.62 -
2011 217.88 25.07 - 2.71 18.15 40.30 1.60 -
Mean 284.47 13.96 394.06 2.36 13.74 30.01 1.72 117.42
STD 212.87 8.04 207.03 0.95 17.33 16.16 0.17 92.47
Minimum 60.32 3.99 203.04 1.22 0 6.48 1.55 11.79
Maximum 817.44 25.07 645.59 3.99 63.66 56.13 2.11 183.77
Gain/Loss 261% 528% 103% 88% 252% 521% -24% -14%
Source: own calculations based on Eurostat data for the period of 1999-2011
*0303 7180: frozen brisling or sprats (sprattus sprattus), 0301 9300: live carp, 0302 3590: fresh or chilled bluefin tuna, 0302 6995: fresh or
chilled Gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata), 0301 9919: live freshwater fish (excl. ornamental fish, trout, eels, carp, pacific salmon, Atlantic
salmon and Danube salmon), 0307 6000: snails live, fresh, chilled, frozen, salted, dried or in brine, with or no shell (excl. sea snails), 0305
4100: Pacific salmon smoked, 0304 4910: fresh/chilled fillets of freshwater fish (excl. trout, pacific salmon, Atlantic salmon & Danube salmon)

4. Conclusions

The investigation of export performance and competitiveness in fisheries sector among the Balkan and Eastern
European countries reveals that Greece presents a significant export trade in fresh or chilled Gilt-head sea bream,
Bulgaria has a significant export trade in frozen sprats and snails, while Czech Republic exports mainly live carp.
Hungary portrays a significant export trade in live freshwater fish, while Poland shows a significant export trade in
smoked fillets of pacific salmon, and Slovenia exports mainly fresh or chilled fillets of freshwater fish. The
estimated RCA indices reveal a competitive advantage for the most important species exported during the period
under study, in all individual countries. Therefore, the results of this study could be helpful for policy makers to
probably reallocate the natural domestic resources, reinforcing the national production activities in those species.
The findings could be useful in marketers to develop efficient export strategic plans for the fisheries products
involved, aiming to potentially increase export market shares and to raise export performance of the fisheries sectors
in each of the examined countries.

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