Estimating Structural Change in the Japanese Beef Import Market in the Wake of BSE: A Smooth Transition Approach

We assess the effect of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on Japanese beef imports from the United States and competing suppliers. Using a source-differentiated almost ideal demand system of beef imports with endogenous smooth transition functions, we find that a nonlinear structural change has occurred in the Japanese beef import market in the wake of BSE. The BSE outbreaks led an instantaneous, persistent impact on Japanese beef imports lasting over a decade, causing a significant shift in Japanese consumer preferences for beef imports from different origins. Over half of the estimated expenditure, own-price, and cross-price elasticities have changed in the aftermath of BSE, and some have not returned to their pre-BSE levels even after the trade recovery period.