Trade Structures between Mexico, China and the European Union with Impact on the Trade of WHR Systems

Abstract

With this thesis the researcher was aiming to identifying the differences between Mexico-China and Mexico-EU trade and export to make conclusions about whether consisting trade structures in these relationships have an impact on WHR technology trade. Thereby, a special emphasis was put on the identification of possible incentives that might additionally enhance the trade with WHR technology. This research has been done on behalf of a case company.

To familiarize the reader with the spectrum of topics which had to be combined in order to cover the facets of the research problem, theoretical background on international trade, sustainability and regional integration, as well as a PESTLE analysis of Mexico has been provided. In the empirical part of the research, semi-structured face-to-face interviews have been conducted with employees of the case company to add a non-abstract perspective beyond the theory to the research. The statements from these interviews have been analysed, compared to the theoretical findings and rounded out by additional secondary data for the formulation of the research findings and the resulting recommendations.

The data and interview statements suggest that the main difference between Mexico-China and Mexico-EU trade lies in the existence of a free trade agreement between Mexico and the EU which offers preferential tariffs for WHR technology, whereas no such agreement currently exists between China and Mexico. China’s position in the WTO also has the potential for future trade disputes with Mexico. Minor differences have been identified between the duration of shipping voyages and export documentation. Product-specific incentive programmes could not be identified. Furthermore, the data suggested that trade barriers as well as incentives and cooperations depend heavily on geopolitical factors and national interests, this shows especially in Mexico’s relationship with the United States of America, while national approaches on sustainability and climate change are strong determinators of a country’s ambition to enhance clean energy technology.