Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries

Analysis and study of the concentration of the import market for Blockboard, Laminboard, and Battenboard in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hamidreza Yavarian 1
majid azizi 2
1 Faculty of Natural Resources
2 university of tehran
10.22034/ijwp.2025.2049768.1693
Abstract
Problem definition and objectives: Understanding the import market for the products in terms of monopoly and oligopoly or competition is crucial for decision-makers and managers in the economic field. In this context, the market structure for each product may vary and is generally categorized into competitive, monopoly, or multilateral monopoly markets. Conducting market analysis for informed decision-making by relevant institutions requires a thorough understanding of market structure. Various indicators can be used to measure market concentration. The purpose of this study is to calculate market concentration indices for blockboard, laminboard, and batten board imports to Iran. The findings aim to assist industry stakeholders and government officials in understanding these markets, identifying production potential, and planning more effectively for these products.
Methodology: In this research, the amount of imports of these products for the period from 2013 to 2022 was first determined. Then, the share of imports from each exporting country during this period was calculated. In order to understand the market situation for the import of blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard, the market concentration indicators were calculated. The analysis was conducted using the Four firms Concentration ratio, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, Hall-Tideman Index, Comprehensive Industrial Concentration Index, and Hanna-Kai Index. The market structure was examined for the period spanning 2013 to 2022.
Results: The calculations revealed that the average concentration ratio index for the top four countries accounted for 94.93% of the total imports of blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard to the country, indicating a market close to monopoly. Other indices included the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index at 5058.69, the Hall-Tideman Index at 46.74, the Comprehensive Industrial Concentration Index at 3.66, and Hanaki index in ɑ values 0.6, 1.5, and 2.5 obtained 3.66, 2.53, and 2.1, respectively.
Conclusion: Overall, the results indicate the presence of an oligopoly in the blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard market. The degree of this monopoly has fluctuated in response to the country's economic and political conditions during the studied period. However, in general, Iran's import market for blockboard, laminboard, and battenboard remains monopolistic. Under these market conditions, exporting countries may form alliances to coordinate prices and export volumes. If such a coalition occurs, despite the oligopolistic nature of the market, it would be more detrimental to the importing country, Iran.
Keywords
Competition
Concentration ratio indicators
Market structure
Oligopoly

Subjects

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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 16, Issue 2
Summer 2025
Pages 151-164