ABSTRACT Spatial variability evaluation of qualitative attributes can be used as an excellent strategy to design forms of intervention that result in better crop profitability for some agricultural crops, for example, sugarcane. Based on the assumption that qualitative attributes of sugarcane present spatial variability and their distributions along the stems are uniform in different varieties, this study aimed to evaluate the distributions of the qualitative parameters of different sugarcane varieties and the spatial variability of these attributes in a commercial field. Samples of nine varieties were collected for laboratory quality analysis, and the Brix parameter was analyzed by a digital refractometer. The analysis of variance, the Tukey test, and geoestatistcs were the statistical analyses applied to the dataset. The maps were generated using 91 sample results from the laboratory analysis of the 16.6 ha field. It was found that, in the harvest period, there was no significant difference in Brix content along the sugarcane stems. Therefore, we can conclude that the Brix content along the sugarcane stems does not change in the harvesting period, and the ideal sampling size to better represent the factors affecting sugarcane qualitative attributes is six points per hectare.

Resumo Este artigo analisa a importância dos atrasos portuários para a competitividade da indústria de transformação no Brasil. Com base em estimativas recentes sobre o custo diário dos atrasos comerciais e em bases de dados do Banco Mundial e do GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project), revela a magnitude destas barreiras sob a forma de seus equivalentes ad valorem. Em seguida, por meio de simulações em equilíbrio geral, estima o impacto da melhoria dos processos aduaneiros sobre o desempenho da indústria de transformação no Brasil, sob diferentes cenários. Os resultados obtidos ressaltam o caráter estratégico da facilitação do comércio para a economia Brasileira, em particular sua indústria de transformação e sua inclusão como item relevante para a agenda de crescimento de longo prazo do país.

Abstract This article evaluates the importance of delays at customs for the competitiveness of the transformation industry in Brazil. Based on recent estimations of one-day costs of delays for trade as well as in databases of the World Bank and GTAP (Global Trade Analysis Project) it reveals the magnitude of the time barriers under its ad valorem equivalent form. Next, through general equilibrium simulations, this paper estimates the impacts of streamlining customs procedures over the performance of the transformation industry in Brazil, under different scenarios. Simulation results highlight the strategic character of trade facilitation reforms for the Brazilian economy, particularly for its transformation industry, and the priority of its inclusion as a relevant topic in the long-term growth national agenda.

Abstract This article explores new tools for the ex-ante analysis of PTAs using large scale CGE models. The traditional impact analysis based on tariff cuts and gross trade performance is then extended to incorporate new features of the ongoing globalization process, such as non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and the so-called trade in valueadded. Several methodological as well as conceptual issues are then readdressed, including the proper use of estimated ad-valorem equivalents of NTBs as inputs in perfect competition CGE models as well as the very concept of a “preferential trade partner” in a world where nearly 65% of global exports correspond to trade in intermediates. The article concentrates its impact analysis on the Brazilian economy-providing an overview of its trade policy over the last decades-and the likely consequences of a hypothetical PTA involving Mercosur and China.

Este artigo estima os impactos das medidas TBT/SPS sobre as exportações brasileiras, baseado na literatura recente de modelos gravitacionais. Um modelo de seleção de Heckman é proposto - com fundamentos teóricos no modelo de firmas heterogêneas de Melitz - que destaca a relevância dos fluxos nulos de comércio, assim como da heterogeneidade das firmas, dois fatores usualmente omitidos em especificações convencionais. Nós mostramos que ambas as margens, intensiva e extensiva, das exportações brasileiras são, em média, negativamente afetadas pelas TBTs e SPSs. Ademais, contribuímos para a literatura empírica provendo ampla evidência no nível setorial para as exportações domésticas. Encontramos que medidas TBT/SPS, embora predominantemente prejudiciais, podem estimular as exportações em vários setores da economia Brasileira.

This article estimates the effects of TBT/SPS measures on Brazilian exports, based on the recent literature of gravity models. A Heckman selection model - theoretically grounded on the seminal Melitz model of heterogeneous firms - highlights the role played by zero trade flows as well as firm heterogeneity for estimations using gravity equations, two factors usually omitted in standard specifications. We show that both extensive and intensive margins of Brazilian exports are, on average, negatively affected by pre-existing TBT and SPS measures. Moreover, we contribute to the empirical literature by providing comprehensive evidence of the sectoral effects of such measures over domestic exports. We find that TBT/SPS measures - though predominantly harmful - can foster exports in several sectors of the Brazilian economy.

RESUMO Para tornar a atividade cafeeira competitiva é utilizada, por alguns produtores, a cafeicultura de precisão. Desta forma é possível a criação de mapas temáticos que direcionam as práticas de manejo para as regiões em que há limitações para o desenvolvimento das plantas. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, identificar a dependência espacial da produtividade de plantas de uma lavoura de café, em 2012 e 2013. A área experimental está localizada em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico argiloso, em Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. Foram georreferenciados 100 pontos para a coleta dos dados da produtividade, por meio de derriça manual em pano. Também foi avaliada a diferença da produtividade entre as safras. Os dados foram processados por meio de análise geoestatística. Foi possível identificar e caracterizar a dependência espacial das duas safras, bem como a criação dos mapas de isolinhas. Observaram-se diferenças entre os mapas de 2012 e 2013 devido ao ciclo fenológico bienal do café, o que pode ser confirmado pelo mapa da diferença entre as safras. Recomenda-se um manejo da lavoura que considere a variabilidade espacial da produtividade, para maior retorno econômico.

ABSTRACT To make the coffee activity competitive, some farmers use precision coffee farming. Thus, it is possible to create thematic maps that guide management practices for regions where there are limitation for the plant development. The objective of this study was to identify the spatial dependence of coffee crop yield, in 2012 and 2013. The experimental area is located in a Haplustox in Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. One hundred sampling points were georeferenced for the collection of yield data through manual harvest. The difference of yield between crop seasons was also evaluated. Data were processed using geostatistical analysis. It was possible to identify and characterize the spatial dependence of all variables, as well as to create contour maps. There were differences between the 2012 and 2013 maps, due to the biennial coffee phenological cycle, which can be confirmed by the map of the difference between the crop seasons. It is recommended a crop management that considers the spatial variability of yield for greater economic return.