Análisis del tratado de libre comercio Chile - Ecuador y su incidencia en las exportaciones ecuatorianas

Abstract

Throughout its republican history, Ecuador has signed trade agreements with various countries worldwide, and its treaties with South American nations are no exception, particularly with Chile, a regional powerhouse. Analyzing the benefits derived from this Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was essential, as information regarding economic exchanges between these two nations is fragmented, and few documents specifically address this topic. The general objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the Chile-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement on Ecuadorian exports. This research employed quantitative techniques through the analysis of trade metrics and export-import data between Ecuador and Chile, alongside qualitative methods such as interviews to gather expert perspectives. Export data from 2016 to 2021 indicate a favorable trade balance for Ecuador, primarily driven by oil exports. Experts concurred that the FTA has aimed not only to foster mutual economic benefits but also to promote the development of both nations. However, Chile has gained a comparative advantage by further strengthening its already consolidated industrial sector since the agreement’s inception, sourcing raw materials from Ecuador.