A social network analysis of international trade of copper ore

This paper uses data of international trade of copper ore in 2009, which cover 64 countries and 202 trade relationships, to evaluate the bargaining power of exporting and importing countries from the perspective of social network. The countries´ bargaining positions in the copper ore trade network and their bargaining power are examined through analysis of their Freeman degree centralities and Bonacich power. The results of these analyses identify prominent exporters and importers with great bargaining power, although they may not be the largest exporters or importers in trade volume, and countries with potential to improve their bargaining positions. The comparison of weighted average Bonacich power of importing and exporting sides of copper ore reveals the possible reason why the price of copper ore was relatively stable.