ANALYSIS OF THE POSSIBILITY OF JOINT APPLICATION OF TRADE DEFENSE MEASURES BY MERCOSUR MEMBER COUNTRIES

INTRODUCTION: This research comprises a proposal for a comparative analysis of trade defense measures, notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the member countries of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), with the exclusion of Venezuela, due to its suspension, through the collection of quantitative statistical data, in order to answer the following question: what is the current degree of harmonization of the trade defense measures applied by the member countries of MERCOSUR? OBJECIVES: The general objective of the research was to verify whether, as it stands, it would be possible for MERCOSUR member countries to jointly apply these instruments and thus intensify the process of regional integration and take another step towards the establishment of a proper Common Market. MATERIALS AND METHOD: To answer the proposed question, the measures implemented by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay were analyzed through the hypothetical deductive historical-comparative method and indirect research technique. RESULTS: FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: From this problem, it was possible to conclude that currently there is an average degree of harmonization regarding the sectors affected by the applied measures and the national legislations, but a low degree regarding the products affected and the number of measures imposed, especially when compared the frequency of use by Argentina and Brazil compared to Uruguay and Paraguay.