Evolutionary trends of dependence paths and degree of external dependence in global high-purity quartz trade

• Published in: Zi yuan ke xue Vol. 47; no. 7; pp. 1588 - 1597
• Main Authors: Qing, GUAN, Yurong, ZHAO, Junjie, SHEN
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Chinese; English
• Published: Science Press, PR China 01.07.2025
• Subjects: high-purity quartz|international trade|dependence paths|degree of external dependence|complex networks
• ISSN: 1007-7588
• DOI: 10.18402/resci.2025.07.15

[Objective] High-purity quartz is a key raw material for the development of both the chip and new energy industries. Influenced by factors such as resource endowment and technological barriers, the international trade patterns of high-purity quartz among countries are complex, with interdependent import-export relationships. Traditional research focusing on bilateral trade relationships fails to capture the impact of indirect trade relationships on trade dependence. This study measures trade dependence using “chain-type” trade relationships formed among multiple countries, which not only characterizes the trade flows of high-purity quartz products but also clarifies the targets and sources of dependence. [Methods] Based on international trade data from 2012 to 2021, this study constructed a trade network for high-purity quartz, identified dependence paths by extracting trade flows, and quantitatively measured the trade dependence levels of countries by considering their positions on these paths. This approach clarifies the targets and sources of import dependence, thereby reflecting the supply security levels of high-purity quartz trade for each country. [Results] (1) The number of countries involved in high-purity quartz trade increased annually, but the import-export relationships remained concentrated among a few countries, including the United States, Germany, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and so on. (2) Trade flows exhibited distinct regional characteristics, primarily circulating through countries in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. (3) The United States was China’s main import dependence country, while Japan, Germany, and China were mutually dependent. The Czech Republic, France, and Italy had strong dependence on China for high-purity quartz supply. (4) Since 2016, China has gradually reduced its degree of external dependence on high-purity quartz trade. Continuous innovative breakthroughs in high-purity quartz product preparation technology have strengthened trade ties with other countries, significantly enhancing China’s influence and bargaining power in trade. [Conclusion] This study reveals the evolutionary patterns of dependence structures in global high-purity quartz trade through quantitative analysis, providing a scientific basis for developing supply chain resilience policies, systematically preventing supply chain risks, and formulating market regulation strategies.