Abstract

An exploration between the United States Maritime Merchant Law and Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector before Hurricane Maria is needed to situate the multidimensional findings of this research. This paper explores the multidimensional effects of an external non-tariff measure (NTM) on maritime transportation between the United States (US) and Puerto Rico (PR) trades. The vulnerability level of PR’s agrifood sector in relation to sustainability as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) highly influenced by exogenous factors is explored by its particular conditions, but also by external policies to trade imposed by a larger economy. Due to the high potential of climate changes in the Caribbean, this study reviewed the effects of a maritime cabotage policy on a SIDS agribusinesses’ logistic. Could a NTM affect the supply chain capabilities and the food security of a SIDS? What challenges and opportunities does the US Cabotage policy present for PR’s agricultural sector’s competitiveness? Based on mixing empirical analysis in an exploratory convergent design, the research categorises the cabotage policy in relation to the effects on PR’s agrifood supply chain, its port infrastructure, and its native agribusinesses’ competitiveness. Results show the maritime cabotage itself is a constraint. However, the interactions with others NTMs, indirectly related to the cabotage but inherent to the political status and business relationship between PR and the US revealed an impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of PR’s agribusinesses.

Presenters

William Suarez I I
Adj. Assisstant Professor, , Community Health Unit - Educ. Department, CUNY, Bradford University, New Jersey, United States

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Food, Politics, and Cultures

KEYWORDS

Cabotage, Small Islands Developing State, Agribusiness, Supply Chain, Non-Tariff

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