Differentiated Tariffs and Their Impact on the Economies of the Andean Community of Nations

Abstract

In recent years, the reintroduction of differentiated tariffs has transformed the international trade landscape, generating a disruption in global value chains and significantly affecting regions such as the Andean Community of Nations (CAN). This editorial reflects on how these tariff policies have undermined the competitiveness of traditional Andean exports, raised the costs associated with foreign trade, and accentuated both economic and social weaknesses in member countries. Recent data show a slowdown in regional growth and a contraction of employment in key trade sectors. In response, it is argued that the CAN’s ability to adapt to this volatile environment depends on strengthening its collective strategies: smart market diversification, consolidation of regional value chains, updating its trade agreements, and modernizing its logistics and digital infrastructure. In short, the article invites urgent reflection on the need for more dynamic and resilient regional integration, which will allow it to robustly address the challenges of an increasingly fragmented global trading system.