Structural evolution and the influence mechanism of the global embedded tungsten value flow networks: The perspective of value chain and technological progress

Tungsten, as an important strategic resource, is increasingly crucial for the industrial development of various countries (regions). From the perspective of the tungsten value chain, this paper uses complex network to construct global embedded tungsten value flow networks (GETVFNs) through value flow relationships in trade to analyze their structural evolution and analyzes the influence mechanism of GETVFNs through temporal exponential random graph model (TERGM). The results show that (1) GETVFNs have the significant characteristic of disassortativity. (2) China had the most import trading partners. Germany had the highest total unit value of imported embedded tungsten products. (3) Transitivity, connectivity, and preference attachment effects have significant impacts on the evolution of GETVFNs; when both countries (regions) are neighboring, are closer geographically, sign the same regional trade agreement, and have a common language, they are more likely to generate an embedded tungsten value flow relationship. (4) The technological level of tungsten mill products and cemented carbide (downstream products) significantly affects the evolution of the global embedded tungsten value flows. Understanding the structural evolution and influencing factors of GETVFNs can help countries (regions) optimize their industrial structures to obtain higher economic benefits, avoid trade risks, and promote the rational development of international tungsten trade.