Source Diversification and Import Price Risk

In this article, I present a theoretical framework and derive an empirical model that relates import price risk to the allocation of an import across exporting sources (source diversification). A differential approach to expected utility theory and firm demand is used to derive a model comparable to more popular demand systems such as the Rotterdam and AIDS models. The model is used in estimating carnation demand in the United Kingdom. Results show that while total carnation imports, expected prices and seasonality are important determinants of import demand by source, there is significant information loss when price risk is not considered. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.