A teoria da dependência da CEPAL e o processo de industrialização da Argentina, do Brasil, do Chile e da Venezuela através das relações comerciais com a China.

Abstract

China's rise in the global market since the 2000’s has brought a new dynamic into international trade. The country has become the world's leading exporter and second-largest importer since the beginning of the century. In South America’s case, this subject has presented a history of complex and vulnerable economy, while still playing a significant role in international trade due to its abundance in natural resources. What can be noticed is a favorable condition for attracting foreign direct investments and productive demands to South America. However, it is relevant to consider how these demands contribute to the industrialization and economic development of the region. In addition to that, as the leading exporter of these resources to China and having a significant share in the GDP of South America, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela are selected in this research in which the main objective is to study international trade flows between those selected countries in South America and China to enlighten how these trade flows contribute to the region's economic development according to the Dependency Theory – which remains relevant to understanding the development of the region and was developed by Latin American social scientists. It is a study and review of the ideas constructed by ECLAC considering the current scenario, especially the period between 2012-2021. In what concerns to the Dependency Theory, it’s considered an appropriate theory to understand the situation of dependency of South American countries in the international economic system since it analyses the reasons that keep these countries in a peripheral condition and their dependent relationship with dominant Central power countries like China. The theory provides a critical and holistic framework that helps understand development dynamics in South America and power relations in the international system. Thus, the trade balance between these countries and the influences of trade factors on the industrialization, growth, and development of these South American economies are presented, given China's performance towards them. The effects and consequences of Chinese action in these areas are discussed, presenting as the main result the demonstration of defined manifestations of subordination and economic and financial dependence that derive from the inequalities of technological development between China and the South American countries. The research is based on data from international sources, such as ECLAC, IMF, and WTO, and seeks to analyze power relations, regional development, international trade, and trade flows between China and South America countries.