Evolution and Factors Influencing the Spatial Patterns of Fisheries and Aquaculture Products Trade within RCEP Countries: A Complex Network Analysis

This study aims to make visible and investigate changes in the patterns of trade in fisheries and aquaculture products, which are heavily traded and of high importance for food security in many Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries. The study uses fisheries and aquaculture products trade data from 2002 to 2022 and applies a complex network analysis to unveil the trade network of fisheries and aquaculture products within the RCEP region. It analyzes the topological structure and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the trade network, and utilizes QAP model to further examine the main factors influencing the characteristics of the fisheries and aquaculture products trade network. The study finds: (1) The density of the fisheries and aquaculture products trade network in the RCEP region has significantly increased, exhibiting “small-world” characteristics. With the increasing degree of trade integration, there is still much room for improvement in the cooperation and development of fisheries and aquaculture products trade; (2) The network displays a pronounced core-periphery structure, with China and Japan consistently occupying a central position in the RCEP region’s fisheries and aquaculture products trade network; (3) Economic size, comparative advantage, foreign dependence degree, per capita arable land area, contiguity, and institutional quality are significant factors affecting the relationships and trade volume among countries in the fisheries and aquaculture products trade network.