Maritime Transport Productivity between China and Latin America: A Metafrontier Analysis, 2010–2021

Pedraza Aquije A.A.; Ballena Domínguez V.; Veiga D.S. · Revista Galega de Economia (2026) · DOI: 10.15304/rge.35.1.10988

Resumen

This study analyzes maritime transport productivity in trade between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, considering technological differences among countries. The DEA-Malmquist model is applied within a metafrontier framework to estimate productivity scores, complemented by a Prais–Winsten model to identify the factors explaining productivity variations. The results reveal that southern countries face less favorable technological conditions compared to those in the north and central regions, although both groups exhibit a gradual convergence toward the metafrontier of efficiency. Research and development capacity, industrial activity, and private sector participation have a positive effect on productivity, while structural changes show adverse impacts. The study concludes that enhancing port competitiveness through technological innovation, workforce training, and increased R&D investment is essential to strengthen Latin America’s integration into global value chains and expand its participation in international trade. © Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Artigo en acceso aberto distribuído baixo os termos da licenza Atribución-Non comercial-Non derivadas 4.0 Internacional (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0))

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas