MERCOSUR in trade policy clusters: challenges and prospects
Abstract
The sharp increase in the number of FTAs puts customs unions in an ambiguous
situation questioning their effectiveness. In this view, MERCOSUR could attract special
attention as it seems to support the intention to revive integration within the block after a
long period of stagnation. This paper identifies asymmetries and similarities in the member
states’ trade policy and presents a new perspective on the regional integration by means
of cluster analysis. The results of the study provide the answer to the question of whether
MERCOSUR countries have common trade patterns and can act as a single block in the
international trade.
JEL Classification: F13; F15.
Keywords: Mercosur regional integration trade policy non-tariff measures cluster analysis