The New Triangular Relationship between the US, China, and Latin America: The Case of Trade in the Autoparts-Automobile Global Value Chain (2000–2019)

Abstract

During 2000–2019, the autoparts-automobile global value chain (AAGVC) underwent significant structural changes from a number of perspectives: micro, meso, or inter-firm relations, macroeconomic, and territorial shifts. This document will focus on recent trade debates on the “new triangular relationship” between the US–China and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and Mexico, and specifically on trade in the AAGVC during 2000–2019. In addition to the discussion on global value chains (GVCs) and its implications, the document analyses in detail qualitative and quantitative global changes in the AAGVC and specifically in US imports during 2000–2019, highlighting the performance of Mexico and China in trade, tariffs, and transportation costs. Conclusions include a set of future research topics.