The influence of global gallium trade network dynamics on price: A complex network and panel regression approach

Gallium, an important rare metal accompanying bauxite mining, has extensive applications in high technology and military domains. This study investigates the global gallium resources trade from 2013 to 2022, utilizing complex network theory and panel regression analysis to explore the overarching characteristics of the global gallium trade network and its impact on gallium prices. The results indicate that the gallium resources trade exhibits "small-world" properties. The out-degree, in-degree, betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and eigenvector centrality within the gallium resources trade network are closely associated with fluctuations in gallium prices. To ensure the stability and reasonable pricing of the gallium supply chain, it is recommended to continually monitor the relevant trade network structural indicators and to pay close attention to key events and trends that may influence these metrics.