Análisis de los beneficios y la evolución de las importaciones de vehículos de marcas europeas con la eliminación de barreras arancelarias, en base al acuerdo comercial multipartes luego de siete años de desgravación arancelaria

Abstract

The purpose of this academic article entitled "Analysis of the benefits and evolution of imports of European brand vehicles with the elimination of tariff barriers based on the multiparty trade agreement after seven years of tariff reduction" is to evaluate the effects of the elimination of tariffs in the Ecuadorian automotive industry. This research focuses on how the reduction of trade barriers, implemented through an agreement between Ecuador and the European Union, has influenced the automotive market, benefiting both consumers and the country's economy. The main objective is to analyze the benefits and evolution of tariff relief on European brand automobiles in Quito and its impact on the automotive consumer during the current year. Specific objectives include investigating the annual trends in European vehicle imports since the elimination of tariff barriers in 2017, determining the European brands with the largest increases in their imports and analyzing their market share in Ecuador, and evaluating the perception and satisfaction of automotive consumers regarding European automobiles after the implementation of the tariff reduction. The research used a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, and included data from primary and secondary sources, as well as consumer surveys. The results showed a significant increase in European vehicle sales, with market share growing from 2% in 2016 to 75% in 2023. This increase is attributed to the elimination of tariffs, which allowed wider access to vehicles from high quality, better technology and greater safety, stimulating economic growth and job creation in the automotive sector. Additionally, it was observed that the elimination of tariff barriers has improved the competitiveness of European vehicles compared to other brands in the Ecuadorian market, offering consumers a greater variety of models and advanced technology. This situation has encouraged competitors to improve their offers and prices, benefiting consumers with more varied and competitive options. Tariff relief has had a positive and significant impact on importsof European vehicles in Ecuador, not only benefiting consumers by reducing the costs of imported vehicles, but also promoting greater competitiveness and dynamism in the automotive market. These changes have strengthened trade relations between Ecuador and the European Union, demonstrating the automotive sector's ability to adapt and evolve under new commercial conditions