Trade-embodied pesticides dynamics: an input-output and complex network analysis

Embodied pesticide transfers through global trade networks present complex transboundary challenges, causing ecological degradation in producing regions and consumption risks worldwide. This study employs an integrated multi-regional input-output (MRIO) and complex network analysis framework, highlighting an innovative matching method for dynamic community detection to map the structural dynamics of embodied pesticide flows across 175 economies from 1992 to 2021, and draws the following key findings. Firstly, the volume of embodied pesticides has risen significantly over time and is concentrated in agricultural sectors and intermediate goods, with pronounced geographic asymmetry. Secondly, different pesticide categories show distinct net trade flows, with a few economies, such as the U.S.A., Brazil, and China, shifting roles over time, contributing to the majority of main global trade and dominating the topological dynamics of the network. Thirdly, embodied pesticide networks have short average path lengths with small-world features weakening, indicating highly direct and more random interconnectivity which supports the process of trade liberalization. Finally, the formation and evolution of communities within trade networks are shaped by economic, geographical, and political factors, with major communities centred on core economies – such as China and the United States – playing crucial roles as key importers and exporters, respectively, since around 2006.