Análisis de los efectos de la política arancelaria en la industria manufacturera del sector textil de Guayaquil

Abstract

The present study analyzes the effects of tariff policy in the manufacturing industry of the textile sector of Guayaquil, considering its impact on competitiveness, production costs and business sustainability. The central problem lies in how customs tariffs affect the cost structure of textile companies, limiting their access to imported inputs and reducing their ability to compete in national and international markets. The methodology used was a quantitative and qualitative approach, combining surveys of 273 textile companies and interviews with executives in the sector. Variables such as the increase in production costs, business adaptation strategies and perception of competitiveness in an environment of tariff restrictions were analyzed. The results show that 33% of companies consider tariffs to be a barrier to competitiveness, while 38% identify labor as the most affected component in production costs. The most used strategies to mitigate these effects include product diversification (51%) and operational process optimization (29%). Furthermore, 45% of those surveyed perceive that tariff policies hinder their competitiveness in global markets. The discussion reveals that while tariffs can protect the local industry, they also generate additional costs that affect its sustainability. It is concluded that it is necessary to complement these policies with incentives for innovation and financing to improve the efficiency of the textile sector and guarantee its long-term competitiveness.