Comparative study on the cost structure and efficiency dynamics of pig production in multiple countries:An empirical analyse based on the factor cost contribution decomposition and global Malmquist productivity index
To address the persistent rise in global pig production costs and inadequate efficiency gains, this study conducts a cross-country comparative analysis within a dual “cost‑efficiency” framework, based on the input-output data from 15 countries in European, America and Asia during 2016 to 2022. The cost-component contribution decomposition and the global Malmquist productivity index model are used. The results indicate that: 1) Pig production costs have generally increased worldwide, with feed costs as the primary driver. Labor, capital, and other variable costs vary significantly across countries, reflecting differences in their respective pig industry life cycle stages. 2) The overall growth in total factor productivity is mainly driven by technological progress, but its path varies by country. The growth-stage countriesrely on scale expansion, the mature-stage countries rely on tech and management innovation breakthroughs, and the transition-stage countries rely on policy-driven green innovation. 3) A significant two-way dynamic feedback mechanism exists between cost structure and production efficiency, and external shocks accelerate tech intensification and industry consolidation, raising costs in short term but boosting resilience in long term, which creats an “efficiency gains offset cost pressure” mechanism. To address the dual challenges of rising costs and insufficient efficiency in China’s pig-production industry, short-term efforts should focus on controlling feed and labor costs to stabilize production, while medium-term efforts to long-term measures should enhance efficiency through key technological innovations, improved management capabilities, green farming models, and the widespread adoption of environmental protection facilities.
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