Estimación de los costos marginales de produccón de la industria cafetalera a nivel nacional

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the cost structure of production of the coffee industry in Ecuador. The government has intervened since last decade in the coffee sector trying to encourage the production and trade of coffee. But there is a great divergence regarding the choice of the minimum price and the lack of a price control system. Therefore, It is necessary to understand the structure that follows the coffee market. This study will also provide the methodology in order to estimate the marginal cost function of the cafe production in Ecuador with the ITSUR method by using the available information. With this estimation we will be able to quantify the impact of variations of the inputs and the labor costs into the final product price. With the results obtained from this estimation and after the analysis of their behavior. It would be possible to think in suggestions in order to balance market forces and to encourage avoiding unfair competition. Finally, this study will help to prove whether there is a level of market concentration by certain producers.