The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retail dairy prices

Yizao Liu, Adam N. Rabinowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article focuses on the immediate impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on retail prices of dairy products in the United States. Using weekly data from the US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, we analyze a change in dairy prices coinciding with COVID-19 restrictions. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that prices of all dairy products decreased by 8% at the time that stay at home orders and changes in retail activities took place. When focusing on specific dairy categories, we find a varying degree of price declines, but also many prices that did not change. We also analyze store promotional advertisements for dairy products and find the expected decline in the number of store ads. This study has implications for policymakers concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on retail food prices in the United States. [EconLit citations: Q11; Q18].

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)108-121
Number of pages14
JournalAgribusiness
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Food Science
  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Economics and Econometrics

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