Integration and Convergence of Peru with the Andean Community, Pacific Alliance and MERCOSUR; [Integração e convergência do Peru com a Comunidade Andina, Aliança do Pacífico e MERCOSUL]

Reinoso A.F.; Cornejo A.F.; Quintana P.P. · Estudos Internacionais (2025) · DOI: 10.5752/p.2317-773x.2025v13n2p97-125

Resumen

This article examines whether South–South integration agreements —specifically the Andean Community (CAN), the Pacific Alliance (PA), and MERCOSUR— have contributed to Peru’s productive and export diversification between 2002 and 2021. Indicators of trade complementarity, intra-industry trade, and revealed comparative advantages are combined with econometric estimates of export efficiency and economic convergence. The findings show that Peru exhibits strong trade complementarity and significant intra-industry linkages with CAN and PA members, revealing substantial potential to expand regional value chains and increase exported value added. However, no evidence of economic convergence is observed with any of the blocs, indicating persistent structural asymmetries that current agreements have not resolved. The study concludes that, although South–South integration provides favorable conditions for diversification, its effective impact depends on advancing toward deep integration through coordinated trade, industrial, technological, and infrastructure policies. The results highlight that regional integration can play a strategic role in Peru’s development, provided that institutional mechanisms are strengthened to reduce productive disparities.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú