Evaluating the Competitiveness of Poland’s Egg Sector: Trends and Insights from 2019 to 2023
Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the competitiveness of the Polish egg sector in 2019-2023. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research used a descriptive analysis of statistical data, the import-export coverage index (trade coverage), the revealed comparative advantage index (RCA), Widodo matrix, correlation coefficient. Findings: In 2019-2023, Poland had a comparative advantage in the export of table eggs on the world market. Having a comparative advantage in export does not guarantee its maintenance in the future. In the analysed period, in 2022, various statistical measures (mean, standard error, median, standard deviation, variance, kurtosis, skewness, range, sum, largest value, least value) characterizing the RCA for the European countries under review were the highest. This may indicate that this indicator is very price sensitive. At that time, there were increases in various egg prices in the EU, including export prices. The transformation from cage to cage-free systems of laying hens in many countries requires systematic multidisciplinary research. Practical Implications: In the period under review, Poland's comparative advantage has improved periodically. This was probably related, among other things, to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. In the long term, Poland may lose the comparative advantage. This may be related to Ukraine's accession to the European Union and improving its access to the single European market. Originality/Value: Analysis of changes in the competitiveness of foreign trade is of great importance in the context of strategic decision-making by sector participants.