Beyond minerals: China-Latin American Trans-Pacific supply chain

Abstract

In this paper, we highlight three characteristics of China-Latin American economic relations. China-Latin American economic relationships are asymmetric, comparative-advantage driven and motivated by both political and economic considerations. There are several co-operative measures on which China and Latin America can focus. China can be encouraged to invest not only in mining in Latin America but also in infrastructure and manufacturing facilities. China and Latin America can deepen their Trans-Pacific production network. Utilizing the advantages of being close to and in the same time zone as the U.S. market, this pan China-Latin America supply chain can be a potent supplier and exporter to the United States.