Method of value chain mapping with international input-output data: Application to the agricultural value chain in three Greater Mekong Subregion countries

Extending the technique of unit structure analysis, which was originally developed by Ozaki (J Econ 73(5):720-748, 1980), this study introduces a method of value chain mapping that uses international input-output data and reveals both the upstream and downstream transactions of goods and services, as well as primary input (value added) and final output (final demand) transactions, which emerge along the entire value chain. This method is then applied to the agricultural value chain of three Greater Mekong Subregion countries: Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The results show that the agricultural value chain has been increasingly internationalized, although there is still room to benefit from participating in global value chains, especially in a country such as Cambodia. Although there are some constraints regarding the methodology and data, the method proves useful in tracing the entire value chain.