Análisis del impacto del acuerdo multipartes en las exportaciones de frutas exóticas del Ecuador hacia la Unión Europea.

Abstract

This research addresses the importance of trade liberalization for Ecuador's economic growth, highlighting its focus on the production and export of primary products, especially in the agricultural sector. In an increasingly globalized world, a country's ability to integrate into international markets has become a crucial factor for its economic development. In this context, Ecuador has taken significant steps to strengthen its position in international trade, one of the most important milestones being the signing of a trade agreement with the European Union in 2014, which entered into force in January 2017. The main objective of this agreement is to obtain tariff preferences that facilitate the competition of Ecuadorian products in the European market, representing approximately 17% of the country's trade relations. Ecuador is characterized by its fruit diversity, especially in the production of exotic fruits that belong to the non-traditional fruit sector. Among these fruits are mango, pineapple, avocado, passion fruit and dragon fruit. These varieties are not only appreciated for their quality, but have also found a niche in the international market, which has led the Ecuadorian government to negotiate trade agreements that boost exports of these fruits. The agreement with the European Union is one of the most outstanding in this regard. Negotiations for this agreement began in 2007, but Ecuador temporarily withdrew in 2009. However, the country resumed the process in 2014, culminating in the signing of the Multiparty Agreement in 2017, which has allowed Ecuador to access a market of great potential. Since the implementation of the agreement, Ecuadorian exports to the European Union have increased significantly. Before the signing of the agreement, non-oil exports to the EU did not exceed $3,000 million. However, since 2017, this amount has been constant and has shown sustained growth. Dragon fruit, in particular, has become the most recognized exotic fruit in the European market, followed by mango and avocado, which have seen an increase in demand in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain. The research also details the evolution of Ecuadorian fruit exports before and after the Multiparty Agreement, showing a notable growth in exports of dragon fruit, mango and avocado. Statistics are presented that show the increase in the value of exports to the EU, highlighting the importance of diversifying markets and reducing dependence on a few countries. As for the methodology used in this research, both a quantitative and qualitative approach is applied to analyze the impact of the agreement on exotic fruit exports. Data is collected from reliable sources, such as the Central Bank of Ecuador and Trade Map, to assess export performance before and after the signing of the agreement. Through this analysis, it is concluded that the Multiparty Trade Agreement has had a positive impact on Ecuador's exotic fruit exports, facilitating access to European markets and improving the competitiveness of these products in an increasingly competitive global environment. Finally, it is recommended to continue with marketing and promotion strategies to strengthen the recognition of Ecuadorian fruits in the European Union. In addition, it is essential to optimize logistics and the supply chain, explore new market opportunities and diversify the product offer to ensure sustainable growth in the Ecuadorian agricultural sector. These actions will not only benefit local producers, but will also contribute to the economic development of the country as a whole.