Welcome to the Steinbach Research Group
Welcome to the Steinbach Research Group
We use advanced statistical methods and economic models to examine the drivers of international trade and investment, assessing their domestic and global impacts. Our research provides policymakers and businesses with data-driven insights to navigate trade policy, market disruptions, and economic shifts.
Leveraging firm-level data and economic modeling, we study the conduct and performance of businesses in the agricultural and food sector. Our work informs strategies for improving resilience, managing risk, and enhancing competitiveness in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
At the intersection of applied economics, agricultural policy, and data science, we develop practical solutions to pressing challenges in trade, agribusiness, and risk management. By translating complex economic issues into actionable insights, we support farmers, industry leaders, and policymakers in making informed decisions.
Please explore our publications and projects to learn more about our research activities.
Selected Recent Publications
Pre-Trends and Trade Effects of Temporary Trade Barriers, with Armen Khederlarian, Canadian Journal of Economics, 2025, forthcoming.
Virtual Water Trade and Economic Integration: The Role of Trade Agreements in Global Water Redistribution, with Dongin Kim and Carlos Zurita, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 2025, first published online. [Paper]
Assessing the Impact of the Trade Facilitation Agreement on Agri-Food Global Value Chain Integration, with Carlos Zurita, The World Economy, 2025, 48(9): 2128–2154. [Paper]
What Matters for Agricultural Trade? Assessing the Role of Trade Deal Provisions using Machine Learning, with Stepan Gordeev, Jeremy Jelliffe, and Dongin Kim, Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 2025, 47(4): 1469–1506. [Paper]
The Used Cooking Oil Dilemma: Feedstock Competitiveness, Certification Integrity, and U.S. Biofuel Policy, Food Policy, 2025, 134: 102907. [Paper]
Rising Protectionism and Foreign Direct Investment, with Dongin Kim, Review of World Economics, 2025, 161: 469–510. [Paper]
Dr. Steinbach is co-organizing the annual meeting of the International Agricultural Trade Research Consortium (IATRC) in Tysons, Virginia. Learn More
New Publications (September 2025)
Dr. Steinbach and team published several new papers in the Journal of Wine Economics, the World Economy, and other academic journals. Learn More.
Welcoming NNF Fellows (August 2025)
Six NDSU graduate students were selected as USDA National Needs Fellows in Agribusiness and Data Analytics, recognizing their leadership and commitment to advancing U.S. agriculture through data-driven research and innovation. Learn more.
AAEA Annual Meeting (July 2025)
Steinbach Research Group members presented several invited papers and participated in various organized sessions at the 2025 AAEA Annual Meeting. Learn More.