O comércio e o princípio do equilíbrio no Mercosul: uma análise setorial

Abstract

This paper provides a brief historical analysis of the pruinciples and objectives of the Mercosur. Its main purpose is a sectoral study by analyzing the flow of trade and the Balassa specificity indicator for the members of the block, using data from export and import. The principle of equilibrium, stated in the Treaty of Assunción that gave birth to Mercosur aims to prevent specialization in trade flows. Thye conclusion from empirical analysis is that it does not occur. The Balassa indicator of specificity shows that Paraguay and Uruguay are specialized in primary products while Brazil and, in a lesser way, Argentina, are specialized in industrial goods. And the analysis of trade flow gives evidence that this difference of specialization contributes to unequal gains in the flow of trade. Key words: Mercosul; trade flow; rate of specificity. Artigo recebido em 27 jan. 2011.