El impacto del tratado de libre comercio entre la Unión Europea y el Ecuador en el sector florícola de exportación.

Abstract

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Ecuador, in effect since 2017, has significantly impacted the country's flower export sector. This study analyzes the economic and commercial consequences of the FTA on this sector, highlighting changes in export volumes, market prices, and the evolution of the international competitiveness of Ecuadorian flowers. Additionally, it examines support policies, and the challenges faced by flower growers in this new trade environment. Through a quantitative analysis of export data and interviews with key stakeholders, the study reveals that the FTA has facilitated access to the European market by reducing tariff barriers and enabling sustained growth in flower exports. However, challenges such as the pressure to maintain quality standards and the need to innovate to preserve competitive advantages are also identified. This work contributes to the understanding of the impact of trade agreements on specific sectors, offering recommendations to strengthen the Ecuadorian flower industry in the global market.