Research on the Characteristics of the Global Trade Network of Antimony Products and Its Influencing Factors

Jianguo Tang, Ligang Xu (), Ying Zhang and Xiang Guo
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Jianguo Tang: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China
Ligang Xu: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China
Ying Zhang: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China
Xiang Guo: School of Economics and Management, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou 341000, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-25

Abstract: As a critical raw material in the semiconductor and new energy sectors, antimony is a strategic mineral resource for nations to safeguard industrial chain security. However, the scarcity of its resources and the complexity of its trade pattern underscore the urgency of antimony-related research. This study aims to reveal the structural characteristics of the global antimony trade network and explore the external factors influencing trade. Based on global antimony trade data from 2007 to 2022, the characteristics of the antimony trade network were analyzed using the complex network analysis method, and the influencing factors of antimony trade were examined via the fixed effects model. The results show that the global antimony trade network maintains a density of 0.05–0.06, with an average path length of 2.4–2.7 and a network diameter that mainly fluctuates between 5 and 6. The average clustering coefficient fluctuates within the range of 0.35–0.45. Overall, the network exhibits the characteristics of stable transmission efficiency, loose overall connectivity, and local agglomeration without a consistent upward or downward trend. Countries such as Germany, China, and the United States occupy core positions in the network. The fixed effects model indicates that GDP and LOGISTICS development are key factors promoting trade, while TARIFFS and REGULATORY policies have a significant inhibitory effect on trade. Therefore, ① Focus on the High-End Development of the Antimony Industry Chain and Promote the In-Depth Integration of Antimony Trade with the Semiconductor and New Energy Industries; ② Improve the Cross-Border Logistics and Warehousing System for Antimony Trade to Ensure the Efficient Circulation of Strategic Resources; ③ Promote; Promote Tariff Liberalization in Antimony Trade and Eliminate Market Access Barriers; ④ Strengthen the Government’s Strategic Support for the Antimony Industry to Enhance Global Discourse Power in Antimony Trade; Trade; ⑤ Maintain Macroeconomic Stability and Flexibly Manage Exchange Rates to Safeguard the Resilience of Antimony Trade.

Keywords: antimony products; complex network; network characteristics; influencing factors; fixed effects model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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