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Income and Price Elasticities of Demand in South Africa: An Application of the Linear Expenditure System

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  • Rulof Petrus Burger
  • Lodewicus Charl Coetzee
  • Carl Friedrich Kreuser
  • Neil Andrew Rankin

Abstract

This paper investigates the expenditure patterns of South African households using detailed cross†sectional expenditure and price data that varies across region and time. Linear expenditure system parameter estimates are used to calculate income and price elasticities for a number of product categories at different points of the income distribution. We find substantial variation in the price and income elasticities of demand for items across the income distribution, with the bottom quartile being extremely sensitive to increases in the price of food and clothing items, and the top quartile being as sensitive as households in developed countries.

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  • Rulof Petrus Burger & Lodewicus Charl Coetzee & Carl Friedrich Kreuser & Neil Andrew Rankin, 2017. "Income and Price Elasticities of Demand in South Africa: An Application of the Linear Expenditure System," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 85(4), pages 491-514, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:sajeco:v:85:y:2017:i:4:p:491-514
    DOI: 10.1111/saje.12167
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