Abstract:
This study provides estimates of a complete demand elasticities matrix for meat, poultry, fishery fish,
aquaculture fish, as well as shrimp and shell fish in Taiwan, using the linear approximate almost ideal demand system.
Estimation is based on aggregate annual consumption data complied from Taiwan Food Balance Sheets during 1970-1998.
The estimated own-price elasticities indicate meat, poultry and seafood are all price inelastic. The results reveal that
expenditure effects are strong for meat and fishery fish. The estimated cross-price elasticities are generally small and most
products are gross complements. In addition, the effects of household size and the ratio of population aged over 64 on animal
products consumption are observed to be significant. Moreover, own-price and expenditure elasticities computed at selected
years reveal a possible change in pattern of consumption behavior which, however, may require further statistical analysis.
