Efectos de las medidas arancelarias estadounidenses en la competitividad internacional del Ecuador

Abstract

This research analyzes the importance and relevance of the United States as Ecuador's main trading partner, given that its decisions on imposing tariffs directly affect the stability of the trade balance and the competitiveness of the country's exportable supply. The main purpose of this study is to analyze how the implementation of tariff measures imposed by the United States has affected and influenced the competitiveness and growth of Ecuadorian exports, with an emphasis on the most important non-oil export sectors. Methodologically, a mixed descriptive research design was applied, encompassing qualitative methods through interviews that will provide a broader view of the topic analyzed, as well as quantitative methods through surveys. Among the main findings, a significant relationship was found between the increase in tariffs and the volume exported, as a negative correlation was observed in important sectors. This is because key products, such as shrimp and flowers, are losing market share to neighboring competitors, such as Colombia and Peru, which benefit from having a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. The main conclusion is that Ecuador's trade competitiveness tends to be vulnerable to decisions made by the United States, which is why it is important to seek new trade agreements and diversify the productive matrix to reduce trade dependence and thus ensure the sustainability of Ecuadorian exports.