La importación de vehículos producto de buques carreros y su impacto en la industria automotriz en la ciudad de Manta, período 2018 – 2023.

Abstract

The project ‘Vehicle Imports from Car Car Carriers and their Impact on the Automotive Industry in the City of Manta, Period 2018 - 2023’ analyses the relationship between the operations of the Port of Manta and the development of the local automotive industry, which is considered a key port in Ecuadorian maritime trade and has experienced significant growth in the handling of imported vehicles, influenced by factors such as the elimination of safeguards in 2017 and the economic recovery after the pandemic. The research, based on a mixed methodology, uses qualitative and econometric analysis for forecasting, under a VAR methodology, to assess the impact of imports on vehicle sales in Manta, the results show an annual average of more than 70,000 units mobilised during the period studied, with peaks in 2018 and 2022, and a notable 45% drop in 2020 due to COVID-19. In addition, it identifies that improvements in infrastructure and logistics processes at the port have strengthened its competitiveness, although challenges related to costs and global market conditions remain. The study concludes that the Port of Manta is crucial for the local and national economy. It is recommended to optimise logistics management, promote policies to boost its competitiveness and attract investment in the automotive sector to ensure its sustainability and resilience to external factors.