Impact of the non-renewal of the Brazil–Argentina maritime transport agreement and potential competitiveness gains

Authors

  • Bernardo Pinheiro Escola de Guerra Naval

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1676-6288.bjlas.2026.227618

Keywords:

Short Sea Shipping, Brazil–Argentina, Protectionism, Maritime transport, Bilateral agreements

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of the non-renewal of the Maritime Transport Agreement between Brazil and Argentina, in force from 1985 to 2021, on the dynamics of bilateral trade, national merchant fleets, and freight rate behavior. Using a qualitative approach, based on the descriptive analysis of secondary data, the study examines the period between 2013 and 2023, combining documentary and bibliographic research with statistical evidence from official public databases. In light of international trade theory and regulatory economics, the Agreement is interpreted as a mechanism restricting competition, with potential implications for allocative efficiency and logistics costs. The results indicate the absence of robust evidence that the Agreement contributed to the development of Brazilian and Argentine merchant fleets or to the expansion of bilateral trade. Furthermore, no systematic relationship is observed between its revocation and changes in freight rate volatility. On the other hand, the evidence suggests the existence of costs associated with the previous regime, arising from barriers to entry and intermediation mechanisms in market access. It is concluded that the non-renewal of the Agreement is aligned with the principles of greater openness and regulatory efficiency, with no identifiable negative impacts on the variables analyzed.

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Author Biography

  • Bernardo Pinheiro, Escola de Guerra Naval

     Licenciado em Ciências Econômicas pela UFRJ e Mestrando em Estudos Marítimos pela Escola de Guerra Naval, Rio de Janeiro. E-mail: bb_pinheiro@yahoo.com.br

     

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Published

2026-05-13

Issue

Section

Original Article

How to Cite

Pinheiro, B. (2026). Impact of the non-renewal of the Brazil–Argentina maritime transport agreement and potential competitiveness gains. Brazilian Journal of Latin American Studies, 25(52), e227618. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.1676-6288.bjlas.2026.227618