Article: Waking the Sleeping Lion: The China-Ecuador FTA and Its Implications - Global Trade and Customs Journal View Article: Waking the Sleeping Lion: The China-Ecuador FTA and Its Implications by - Global Trade and Customs Journal Article: Waking the Sleeping Lion: The China-Ecuador FTA and Its Implications 19 11/12

This paper examines the Ecuador-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its broader implications for Ecuador’s economy. It discusses the context in which Ecuador pursued the FTA, highlighting the competitive pressures from neighbouring countries like Peru and Colombia, which had already secured similar agreements. The analysis includes a comparison between the Ecuador-China and Peru China FTAs, focusing on key aspects such as tariff classification, rules of origin, and customs regulations. The paper also explores the potential economic benefits for Ecuador, including market access for its export products and the expected impacts on sensitive sectors. However, it raises concerns regarding the flexibility and potential risks associated with the agreement, such as undervaluation of Chinese goods and the challenges of maintaining competitiveness within the Andean Community (CAN). The paper concludes by questioning whether the FTA will deliver the anticipated economic growth and whether it sets a precedent for future trade negotiations within the region.

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